This Act establishes a licensing regime for private security providers in Queensland—covering individuals and firms (eg bodyguards, crowd controllers, private investigators, security officers and installers)—and makes it an offence to provide, advertise or arrange those services without a licence. The chief executive grants and enforces licences; the Police Commissioner supplies fingerprinting and criminal‑history checks. It matters because it vets entrants to protect public safety while imposing fees, training and compliance costs on providers.
This Act defines who counts as a security provider in Queensland, creates a licensing regime for people and entities carrying out security functions, sets statutory and imposed conditions for licences, establishes temporary permits for short-term cross‑jurisdictional work, and provides administrative powers for the chief executive and the Commissioner to gather identity and criminal history information to assess suitability. The Act also prescribes offences and penalties for unlicensed practice and for providing false documents, enables information‑sharing with specified agencies, and requires confidentiality and destruction of certain records.
Mechanically, the Act does the following:
Defines categories of security providers (bodyguard, crowd controller, private investigator, security adviser, security equipment installer, security officer, security firm) and exclusions (police, Defence, specified public servants, casino employees etc.) (s 4; ss 4A-8A). Those definitions determine who must be licensed (s 9).
Requires a licence to carry out or hold out carrying out security provider functions and to engage others to perform those functions for reward (s 9), with graduated maximum penalties stated in s 9(1)-(2).
Prescribes the application process and documentation, including approved form and regulatory fees (s 10), and enables the chief executive to request further information and to require fingerprints for “relevant persons” (s 10(5)-(11); s 27).
Sets entitlement criteria for individuals and for corporations/partnerships, including age, completion of approved training for certain classes, approved industry association membership for security firms, and the “appropriate person” test (ss 11, 13). The chief executive may make inquiries and request criminal history reports from the Commissioner (ss 12, 12AA).
Current sections
Direct links to the current provisions in Security Providers Act 1993.
117
pt.1
Preliminary
Preliminary
sec.1
Short title
sec.1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the Security Providers Act 1993 .
sec.2
Commencement
sec.2 Commencement
This Act commences on a day to be fixed by proclamation.
sec.2A
Relationship with Fair Trading Inspectors Act 2014
sec.2A Relationship with Fair Trading Inspectors Act 2014
The Fair Trading Inspectors Act 2014 (the FTI Act ) enacts common provisions for this Act and particular other Acts about fair trading.
Unless this Act otherwise provides in relation to the FTI Act , the powers that an inspector has under that Act are in addition to and do not limit any powers the inspector may have under this Act.
In this section—
inspector means a person who holds office under the FTI Act as an inspector for this Act.
s 2A ins 2014 No. 8 s 166
(sec.2A-ssec.1) The Fair Trading Inspectors Act 2014 (the FTI Act ) enacts common provisions for this Act and particular other Acts about fair trading.
(sec.2A-ssec.2) Unless this Act otherwise provides in relation to the FTI Act , the powers that an inspector has under that Act are in addition to and do not limit any powers the inspector may have under this Act.
(sec.2A-ssec.3) In this section— inspector means a person who holds office under the FTI Act as an inspector for this Act.
sec.3
Definitions
sec.3 Definitions
The dictionary in schedule 2 defines particular words used in this Act.
s 3 Note—prev s 3 contained definitions for this Act. Definitions are now located in schedule 2 (Dictionary). Annotations for definitions contained in prev s 3 are located in annotations for sch 2.
pres s 3 amd 2007 No. 15 s 4 (4)
sec.4
Who is a security provider
sec.4 Who is a security provider
A security provider is any of the following—
a bodyguard;
a crowd controller;
a private investigator;
a security adviser;
a security equipment installer;
a security officer;
a security firm.
A person employed by a security provider is not a security provider if the person’s duties are only secretarial or clerical.
Each of the following persons is not a security provider in carrying out the functions of the person’s employment—
a police officer or a member of the police service of the Commonwealth or a State;
a member of the Defence Force;
an officer or employee of the Commonwealth or a State;
a Minister of the Commonwealth or a State;
a department of the Commonwealth or a State;
an officer of or employee in the parliamentary service established under the Parliamentary Service Act 1988 ;
a casino employee or casino key employee within the meaning of the Casino Control Act 1982 .
Also, an authorised person under the Transport Operations (Passenger Transport) Act 1994 is not a security provider in performing a function or exercising a power under that Act.
s 4 amd 2007 No. 15 s 5 ; 2008 No. 67 s 237
(sec.4-ssec.1) A security provider is any of the following— a bodyguard; a crowd controller; a private investigator; a security adviser; a security equipment installer; a security officer; a security firm.
(sec.4-ssec.2) A person employed by a security provider is not a security provider if the person’s duties are only secretarial or clerical.
(sec.4-ssec.3) Each of the following persons is not a security provider in carrying out the functions of the person’s employment— a police officer or a member of the police service of the Commonwealth or a State; a member of the Defence Force; an officer or employee of the Commonwealth or a State; a Minister of the Commonwealth or a State; a department of the Commonwealth or a State; an officer of or employee in the parliamentary service established under the Parliamentary Service Act 1988 ; a casino employee or casino key employee within the meaning of the Casino Control Act 1982 .
(sec.4-ssec.4) Also, an authorised person under the Transport Operations (Passenger Transport) Act 1994 is not a security provider in performing a function or exercising a power under that Act.
(a) a bodyguard;
(b) a crowd controller;
(c) a private investigator;
(d) a security adviser;
(e) a security equipment installer;
(f) a security officer;
(g) a security firm.
(a) a police officer or a member of the police service of the Commonwealth or a State;
(b) a member of the Defence Force;
(c) an officer or employee of the Commonwealth or a State;
(d) a Minister of the Commonwealth or a State;
(e) a department of the Commonwealth or a State;
(f) an officer of or employee in the parliamentary service established under the Parliamentary Service Act 1988 ;
(g) a casino employee or casino key employee within the meaning of the Casino Control Act 1982 .
sec.4A
Who is a bodyguard
sec.4A Who is a bodyguard
A bodyguard is a person who, for reward, provides a close personal protection service.
s 4A ins 2007 No. 15 s 6
sec.5
Who is a crowd controller
sec.5 Who is a crowd controller
A crowd controller is a person who, for reward, is at a public place principally for keeping order in or about the public place, including, for example, by doing any of the following—
screening the entry of persons into the place;
monitoring or controlling the behaviour of persons in the place;
removing persons from the place.
a bouncer at a hotel, nightclub or rock concert
Despite subsection (1) , a person is not a crowd controller merely because the person checks that a person allowed admission to the public place has paid for the admission or has an invitation or pass allowing the admission.
s 5 sub 2007 No. 15 s 6
(sec.5-ssec.1) A crowd controller is a person who, for reward, is at a public place principally for keeping order in or about the public place, including, for example, by doing any of the following— screening the entry of persons into the place; monitoring or controlling the behaviour of persons in the place; removing persons from the place. a bouncer at a hotel, nightclub or rock concert
(sec.5-ssec.2) Despite subsection (1) , a person is not a crowd controller merely because the person checks that a person allowed admission to the public place has paid for the admission or has an invitation or pass allowing the admission.
(a) screening the entry of persons into the place;
(b) monitoring or controlling the behaviour of persons in the place;
(c) removing persons from the place.
sec.6
Who is a private investigator
sec.6 Who is a private investigator
A private investigator is a person who, for reward—
obtains and gives private information about another person, without the other person’s express consent; or
carries out surveillance for obtaining private information about another person, without the other person’s express consent; or
investigates the disappearance of a missing person.
Despite subsection (1) , a person is not a private investigator merely because—
the person—
is the employee of a person who does not, for reward, obtain and give information; and
as an employee, obtains and gives information about another person; or
the person—
is an employee of a person who, for reward, obtains and gives information; and
as an employee, obtains and gives information about another person to the employer other than for the purpose of the employer giving the information to someone else for reward; or
the person, for reward, gives information about another person from existing records in the person’s possession or in the possession of the person’s employer.
a retail department store’s employee who obtains information about the credit standing of a person who has applied for the store’s credit card
Each of the following persons is not a private investigator in carrying out the functions of the person’s occupation or employment—
an Australian legal practitioner or an Australian legal practitioner’s employee;
an accountant or an accountant’s employee;
a person carrying on the business of insurance or an employee of the person;
a person carrying on the business of an insurance adjustment agency or an employee of the person.
Also, an independent investigator is not a private investigator in investigating and reporting on the grievance for which the independent investigator is engaged.
In this section—
accountant means—
a person registered as an auditor under the Corporations Act ; or
a member of CPA Australia who is entitled to use the letters ‘CPA’ or ‘FCPA’; or
a member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia who is entitled to use the letters ‘CA’ or ‘FCA’; or
a member of the Institute of Public Accountants who is entitled to use the letters ‘MIPA’ or ‘FIPA’.
Australian legal practitioner means an Australian legal practitioner within the meaning of the Legal Profession Act 2007 .
independent investigator means a person, other than a public service employee, who is engaged to investigate and report on a grievance lodged by a public service employee under the Public Sector Act 2022 .
private information , about a person, means information, including information recorded in a document, about—
for an individual—the individual’s personal character, actions, business or occupation; or
for a person other than an individual—the person’s business or occupation.
s 6 amd 2002 No. 13 s 124 sch ; 2007 No. 15 s 7 ; 2009 No. 25 s 83 sch ; 2013 No. 39 s 43 sch 1 ; 2022 No. 34 s 365 sch 3
(sec.6-ssec.1) A private investigator is a person who, for reward— obtains and gives private information about another person, without the other person’s express consent; or carries out surveillance for obtaining private information about another person, without the other person’s express consent; or investigates the disappearance of a missing person.
(sec.6-ssec.2) Despite subsection (1) , a person is not a private investigator merely because— the person— is the employee of a person who does not, for reward, obtain and give information; and as an employee, obtains and gives information about another person; or the person— is an employee of a person who, for reward, obtains and gives information; and as an employee, obtains and gives information about another person to the employer other than for the purpose of the employer giving the information to someone else for reward; or the person, for reward, gives information about another person from existing records in the person’s possession or in the possession of the person’s employer. a retail department store’s employee who obtains information about the credit standing of a person who has applied for the store’s credit card
(sec.6-ssec.3) Each of the following persons is not a private investigator in carrying out the functions of the person’s occupation or employment— an Australian legal practitioner or an Australian legal practitioner’s employee; an accountant or an accountant’s employee; a person carrying on the business of insurance or an employee of the person; a person carrying on the business of an insurance adjustment agency or an employee of the person.
(sec.6-ssec.4) Also, an independent investigator is not a private investigator in investigating and reporting on the grievance for which the independent investigator is engaged.
(sec.6-ssec.5) In this section— accountant means— a person registered as an auditor under the Corporations Act ; or a member of CPA Australia who is entitled to use the letters ‘CPA’ or ‘FCPA’; or a member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia who is entitled to use the letters ‘CA’ or ‘FCA’; or a member of the Institute of Public Accountants who is entitled to use the letters ‘MIPA’ or ‘FIPA’. Australian legal practitioner means an Australian legal practitioner within the meaning of the Legal Profession Act 2007 . independent investigator means a person, other than a public service employee, who is engaged to investigate and report on a grievance lodged by a public service employee under the Public Sector Act 2022 . private information , about a person, means information, including information recorded in a document, about— for an individual—the individual’s personal character, actions, business or occupation; or for a person other than an individual—the person’s business or occupation.
(a) obtains and gives private information about another person, without the other person’s express consent; or
(b) carries out surveillance for obtaining private information about another person, without the other person’s express consent; or
(c) investigates the disappearance of a missing person.
(a) the person— (i) is the employee of a person who does not, for reward, obtain and give information; and (ii) as an employee, obtains and gives information about another person; or
(i) is the employee of a person who does not, for reward, obtain and give information; and
(ii) as an employee, obtains and gives information about another person; or
(b) the person— (i) is an employee of a person who, for reward, obtains and gives information; and (ii) as an employee, obtains and gives information about another person to the employer other than for the purpose of the employer giving the information to someone else for reward; or
(i) is an employee of a person who, for reward, obtains and gives information; and
(ii) as an employee, obtains and gives information about another person to the employer other than for the purpose of the employer giving the information to someone else for reward; or
(c) the person, for reward, gives information about another person from existing records in the person’s possession or in the possession of the person’s employer. Example of paragraph (a) — a retail department store’s employee who obtains information about the credit standing of a person who has applied for the store’s credit card
(i) is the employee of a person who does not, for reward, obtain and give information; and
(ii) as an employee, obtains and gives information about another person; or
(i) is an employee of a person who, for reward, obtains and gives information; and
(ii) as an employee, obtains and gives information about another person to the employer other than for the purpose of the employer giving the information to someone else for reward; or
(a) an Australian legal practitioner or an Australian legal practitioner’s employee;
(b) an accountant or an accountant’s employee;
(c) a person carrying on the business of insurance or an employee of the person;
(d) a person carrying on the business of an insurance adjustment agency or an employee of the person.
(a) a person registered as an auditor under the Corporations Act ; or
(b) a member of CPA Australia who is entitled to use the letters ‘CPA’ or ‘FCPA’; or
(c) a member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia who is entitled to use the letters ‘CA’ or ‘FCA’; or
(d) a member of the Institute of Public Accountants who is entitled to use the letters ‘MIPA’ or ‘FIPA’.
(a) for an individual—the individual’s personal character, actions, business or occupation; or
(b) for a person other than an individual—the person’s business or occupation.
sec.6A
Who is a security adviser
sec.6A Who is a security adviser
A security adviser is a person who, for reward, gives advice about security equipment or security methods or principles ( security advice ).
Despite subsection (1) , a person is not a security adviser merely because—
the person—
is an employee of a person who does not, for reward, give security advice; and
as an employee, gives security advice to the employer; or
the person—
is an employee of a person who, for reward, gives security advice; and
as an employee, gives security advice to the employer in relation to the employer’s own security and not in relation to the security of someone else for whom the employer gives security advice for reward; or
the person is an architect under the Architects Act 2002 and gives security advice in providing architectural services within the meaning of that Act; or
the person is a registered professional engineer under the Professional Engineers Act 2002 and gives security advice in providing professional engineering services within the meaning of that Act.
s 6A ins 2007 No. 15 s 8
(sec.6A-ssec.1) A security adviser is a person who, for reward, gives advice about security equipment or security methods or principles ( security advice ).
(sec.6A-ssec.2) Despite subsection (1) , a person is not a security adviser merely because— the person— is an employee of a person who does not, for reward, give security advice; and as an employee, gives security advice to the employer; or the person— is an employee of a person who, for reward, gives security advice; and as an employee, gives security advice to the employer in relation to the employer’s own security and not in relation to the security of someone else for whom the employer gives security advice for reward; or the person is an architect under the Architects Act 2002 and gives security advice in providing architectural services within the meaning of that Act; or the person is a registered professional engineer under the Professional Engineers Act 2002 and gives security advice in providing professional engineering services within the meaning of that Act.
(a) the person— (i) is an employee of a person who does not, for reward, give security advice; and (ii) as an employee, gives security advice to the employer; or
(i) is an employee of a person who does not, for reward, give security advice; and
(ii) as an employee, gives security advice to the employer; or
(b) the person— (i) is an employee of a person who, for reward, gives security advice; and (ii) as an employee, gives security advice to the employer in relation to the employer’s own security and not in relation to the security of someone else for whom the employer gives security advice for reward; or
(i) is an employee of a person who, for reward, gives security advice; and
(ii) as an employee, gives security advice to the employer in relation to the employer’s own security and not in relation to the security of someone else for whom the employer gives security advice for reward; or
(c) the person is an architect under the Architects Act 2002 and gives security advice in providing architectural services within the meaning of that Act; or
(d) the person is a registered professional engineer under the Professional Engineers Act 2002 and gives security advice in providing professional engineering services within the meaning of that Act.
(i) is an employee of a person who does not, for reward, give security advice; and
(ii) as an employee, gives security advice to the employer; or
(i) is an employee of a person who, for reward, gives security advice; and
(ii) as an employee, gives security advice to the employer in relation to the employer’s own security and not in relation to the security of someone else for whom the employer gives security advice for reward; or
sec.6B
Who is a security equipment installer
sec.6B Who is a security equipment installer
A security equipment installer is a person who, for reward, installs, repairs, services or maintains security equipment.
Despite subsection (1) , a person is not a security equipment installer merely because—
the person—
is an employee of a person who does not, for reward, install, repair, service or maintain security equipment; and
as an employee, installs, repairs, services or maintains the employer’s security equipment; or
the person—
is an employee of a person who, for reward, installs, repairs, services or maintains security equipment; and
as an employee, installs, repairs, services or maintains the employer’s security equipment; or
the person carries out retail key cutting; or
the person installs a basic security item in a building owned or occupied by the person; or
the person installs a basic security item in a building owned or occupied by someone else during its construction, repair or renovation.
In this section—
basic security item means—
a portable safe weighing not more than 50kg; or
a barrier security item; or
a security mesh door or window grille
an electronic or mechanical lock used for basic household security; or
a door lock, window lock or padlock
a motion sensor light that does not also activate an alarm.
s 6B ins 2007 No. 15 s 8
(sec.6B-ssec.1) A security equipment installer is a person who, for reward, installs, repairs, services or maintains security equipment.
(sec.6B-ssec.2) Despite subsection (1) , a person is not a security equipment installer merely because— the person— is an employee of a person who does not, for reward, install, repair, service or maintain security equipment; and as an employee, installs, repairs, services or maintains the employer’s security equipment; or the person— is an employee of a person who, for reward, installs, repairs, services or maintains security equipment; and as an employee, installs, repairs, services or maintains the employer’s security equipment; or the person carries out retail key cutting; or the person installs a basic security item in a building owned or occupied by the person; or the person installs a basic security item in a building owned or occupied by someone else during its construction, repair or renovation.
(sec.6B-ssec.3) In this section— basic security item means— a portable safe weighing not more than 50kg; or a barrier security item; or a security mesh door or window grille an electronic or mechanical lock used for basic household security; or a door lock, window lock or padlock a motion sensor light that does not also activate an alarm.
(a) the person— (i) is an employee of a person who does not, for reward, install, repair, service or maintain security equipment; and (ii) as an employee, installs, repairs, services or maintains the employer’s security equipment; or
(i) is an employee of a person who does not, for reward, install, repair, service or maintain security equipment; and
(ii) as an employee, installs, repairs, services or maintains the employer’s security equipment; or
(b) the person— (i) is an employee of a person who, for reward, installs, repairs, services or maintains security equipment; and (ii) as an employee, installs, repairs, services or maintains the employer’s security equipment; or
(i) is an employee of a person who, for reward, installs, repairs, services or maintains security equipment; and
(ii) as an employee, installs, repairs, services or maintains the employer’s security equipment; or
(c) the person carries out retail key cutting; or
(d) the person installs a basic security item in a building owned or occupied by the person; or
(e) the person installs a basic security item in a building owned or occupied by someone else during its construction, repair or renovation.
(i) is an employee of a person who does not, for reward, install, repair, service or maintain security equipment; and
(ii) as an employee, installs, repairs, services or maintains the employer’s security equipment; or
(i) is an employee of a person who, for reward, installs, repairs, services or maintains security equipment; and
(ii) as an employee, installs, repairs, services or maintains the employer’s security equipment; or
(a) a portable safe weighing not more than 50kg; or
(b) a barrier security item; or Example— a security mesh door or window grille
(c) an electronic or mechanical lock used for basic household security; or Example— a door lock, window lock or padlock
(d) a motion sensor light that does not also activate an alarm.
sec.7
Who is a security officer
sec.7 Who is a security officer
A security officer is a person who, for reward, guards, patrols or watches another person’s property, including by—
personally patrolling the property; or
personally monitoring the property by operating an audiovisual or visual recording system, a radio or other electronic monitoring device.
Subsection (1) applies to a person even if the person’s duties include guarding or watching other persons lawfully on property in a way that is not a close personal protection service.
Despite subsection (1) , each of the following is not a security officer—
an engaged service provider within the meaning of the Corrective Services Act 2006 , in carrying out the engaged service provider’s functions under that Act;
a person who is an employee of an engaged service provider within the meaning of the Corrective Services Act 2006 , in carrying out the functions of the person’s employment.
Also, despite subsection (1) and subject to subsection (5) , a person is not a security officer merely because—
the person—
is an employee of a person who does not, for reward, guard, patrol or watch another person’s property; and
as an employee, guards, patrols or watches the employer’s property; or
the person—
is an employee of a person who, for reward, guards, patrols or watches another person’s property; and
as an employee, guards, patrols or watches the employer’s property.
A person who is an employee mentioned in subsection (4) is a security officer if the person—
is employed principally to guard, patrol or watch the employer’s property; or
is employed, whether or not principally, to guard, patrol or watch licensed premises of the employer.
s 7 sub 2007 No. 15 s 8
amd 2008 No. 26 s 12
(sec.7-ssec.1) A security officer is a person who, for reward, guards, patrols or watches another person’s property, including by— personally patrolling the property; or personally monitoring the property by operating an audiovisual or visual recording system, a radio or other electronic monitoring device.
(sec.7-ssec.2) Subsection (1) applies to a person even if the person’s duties include guarding or watching other persons lawfully on property in a way that is not a close personal protection service.
(sec.7-ssec.3) Despite subsection (1) , each of the following is not a security officer— an engaged service provider within the meaning of the Corrective Services Act 2006 , in carrying out the engaged service provider’s functions under that Act; a person who is an employee of an engaged service provider within the meaning of the Corrective Services Act 2006 , in carrying out the functions of the person’s employment.
(sec.7-ssec.4) Also, despite subsection (1) and subject to subsection (5) , a person is not a security officer merely because— the person— is an employee of a person who does not, for reward, guard, patrol or watch another person’s property; and as an employee, guards, patrols or watches the employer’s property; or the person— is an employee of a person who, for reward, guards, patrols or watches another person’s property; and as an employee, guards, patrols or watches the employer’s property.
(sec.7-ssec.5) A person who is an employee mentioned in subsection (4) is a security officer if the person— is employed principally to guard, patrol or watch the employer’s property; or is employed, whether or not principally, to guard, patrol or watch licensed premises of the employer.
(a) personally patrolling the property; or
(b) personally monitoring the property by operating an audiovisual or visual recording system, a radio or other electronic monitoring device.
(a) an engaged service provider within the meaning of the Corrective Services Act 2006 , in carrying out the engaged service provider’s functions under that Act;
(b) a person who is an employee of an engaged service provider within the meaning of the Corrective Services Act 2006 , in carrying out the functions of the person’s employment.
(a) the person— (i) is an employee of a person who does not, for reward, guard, patrol or watch another person’s property; and (ii) as an employee, guards, patrols or watches the employer’s property; or
(i) is an employee of a person who does not, for reward, guard, patrol or watch another person’s property; and
(ii) as an employee, guards, patrols or watches the employer’s property; or
(b) the person— (i) is an employee of a person who, for reward, guards, patrols or watches another person’s property; and (ii) as an employee, guards, patrols or watches the employer’s property.
(i) is an employee of a person who, for reward, guards, patrols or watches another person’s property; and
(ii) as an employee, guards, patrols or watches the employer’s property.
(i) is an employee of a person who does not, for reward, guard, patrol or watch another person’s property; and
(ii) as an employee, guards, patrols or watches the employer’s property; or
(i) is an employee of a person who, for reward, guards, patrols or watches another person’s property; and
(ii) as an employee, guards, patrols or watches the employer’s property.
(a) is employed principally to guard, patrol or watch the employer’s property; or
(b) is employed, whether or not principally, to guard, patrol or watch licensed premises of the employer.
sec.7A
Who is a relevant person
sec.7A Who is a relevant person
A relevant person , for an application for a licence or application for renewal of an unrestricted licence, is—
if the application is made by an individual—the individual; or
if the application is made by a corporation—an officer of the corporation; or
if the application is made by a partnership—a partner of the partnership.
s 7A ins 2010 No. 54 s 60
(a) if the application is made by an individual—the individual; or
(b) if the application is made by a corporation—an officer of the corporation; or
(c) if the application is made by a partnership—a partner of the partnership.
sec.8
What is a security firm
sec.8 What is a security firm
A security firm is a person who, or partnership that, engages in the business of supplying, for reward, security firm services to other persons.
Under the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , schedule 1 , person includes a corporation.
s 8 amd 2007 No. 15 s 9
sec.8A
What is security equipment
sec.8A What is security equipment
Security equipment is acoustic, electronic, mechanical or other equipment—
designed, adapted, or purporting to provide or to enhance property security; or
for protecting or watching property.
an alarm
an alarm monitoring system
an audio, or visual, recording system
an electric, electro-mechanical, magnetic or biometric access control device
an intrusion detector, including a motion, infra-red, microwave or contact detector
a safe or vault
However, each of the following is not security equipment—
a device for monitoring inventory, product or stock loss;
an item designed to minimise the possibility of motor vehicle theft, including, for example, a motor vehicle alarm or immobiliser.
s 8A ins 2007 No. 15 s 10
(sec.8A-ssec.1) Security equipment is acoustic, electronic, mechanical or other equipment— designed, adapted, or purporting to provide or to enhance property security; or for protecting or watching property. an alarm an alarm monitoring system an audio, or visual, recording system an electric, electro-mechanical, magnetic or biometric access control device an intrusion detector, including a motion, infra-red, microwave or contact detector a safe or vault
(sec.8A-ssec.2) However, each of the following is not security equipment— a device for monitoring inventory, product or stock loss; an item designed to minimise the possibility of motor vehicle theft, including, for example, a motor vehicle alarm or immobiliser.
(a) designed, adapted, or purporting to provide or to enhance property security; or
(b) for protecting or watching property.
• an alarm
• an alarm monitoring system
• an audio, or visual, recording system
• an electric, electro-mechanical, magnetic or biometric access control device
• an intrusion detector, including a motion, infra-red, microwave or contact detector
• a safe or vault
(a) a device for monitoring inventory, product or stock loss;
(b) an item designed to minimise the possibility of motor vehicle theft, including, for example, a motor vehicle alarm or immobiliser.
pt.2
Licences
Licences
pt.2-div.1
Requirement for licence
Requirement for licence
sec.9
Requirement to be licensed
sec.9 Requirement to be licensed
Unless a person holds the appropriate licence, the person must not—
carry out the functions of a security provider; or
advertise, or in any way hold out, that the person carries out or is willing to carry out, the functions of a security provider.
Maximum penalty—
for a first offence—500 penalty units; or
for a second offence—700 penalty units or 6 months imprisonment; or
for a third or later offence—1,000 penalty units or 18 months imprisonment.
A person must not, directly or indirectly, engage another person to carry out for reward the functions of a security provider unless the other person holds the appropriate licence.
Maximum penalty—
for a first offence—500 penalty units; or
for a second offence—700 penalty units or 6 months imprisonment; or
for a third or later offence—1,000 penalty units or 18 months imprisonment.
Unless a person holds the appropriate licence, the person is not entitled to any reward for carrying out the functions of a security provider.
Subsection (3) has effect despite any arrangement to the contrary.
s 9 amd 2007 No. 15 s 12
(sec.9-ssec.1) Unless a person holds the appropriate licence, the person must not— carry out the functions of a security provider; or advertise, or in any way hold out, that the person carries out or is willing to carry out, the functions of a security provider. Maximum penalty— for a first offence—500 penalty units; or for a second offence—700 penalty units or 6 months imprisonment; or for a third or later offence—1,000 penalty units or 18 months imprisonment.
(sec.9-ssec.2) A person must not, directly or indirectly, engage another person to carry out for reward the functions of a security provider unless the other person holds the appropriate licence. Maximum penalty— for a first offence—500 penalty units; or for a second offence—700 penalty units or 6 months imprisonment; or for a third or later offence—1,000 penalty units or 18 months imprisonment.
(sec.9-ssec.3) Unless a person holds the appropriate licence, the person is not entitled to any reward for carrying out the functions of a security provider.
(sec.9-ssec.4) Subsection (3) has effect despite any arrangement to the contrary.
(a) carry out the functions of a security provider; or
(b) advertise, or in any way hold out, that the person carries out or is willing to carry out, the functions of a security provider.
(a) for a first offence—500 penalty units; or
(b) for a second offence—700 penalty units or 6 months imprisonment; or
(c) for a third or later offence—1,000 penalty units or 18 months imprisonment.
(a) for a first offence—500 penalty units; or
(b) for a second offence—700 penalty units or 6 months imprisonment; or
(c) for a third or later offence—1,000 penalty units or 18 months imprisonment.
pt.2-div.2
Application for licence
Application for licence
sec.10
Application
sec.10 Application
An application for a licence may be made to the chief executive by—
for any licence—an individual; or
for a security firm licence—a person or a partnership.
The application must be made in the approved form and must be accompanied by the fee prescribed under a regulation.
If, before or when the application is made, the chief executive requires the payment of costs under section 12AA (1) , the application must also be accompanied by the amount of the costs required to be paid.
The applicant must state in the application—
the term of the licence being applied for; and
if the functions of more than 1 type of security provider are intended to be carried out under the licence—each type of security provider for which the licence is sought.
The applicant must also state in the application—
if it is for carrying out the functions of a security officer—the category of functions intended to be carried out under the licence; or
if it is for carrying out the functions of a security firm—the security firm services intended to be supplied under the licence.
If the application is for carrying out the functions of a security firm, the application must include evidence that the applicant is a current member of an approved security industry association.
Only an individual may apply for, or be granted, a licence for carrying out the functions of any of the following—
a bodyguard;
a crowd controller;
a private investigator;
a security adviser;
a security equipment installer;
a security officer.
The chief executive, by written notice, may request the applicant to give further information or documents relevant to the application within a stated period of at least 28 days.
The applicant is taken to have withdrawn the application if, within the stated period, the applicant does not comply with a request under subsection (5) without a reasonable excuse.
A requirement mentioned in subsection (2A) is sufficiently made of the applicant if it is made generally of applicants in the approved form or notified on the department’s website.
An application for a licence may be considered by the chief executive only if each relevant person for the application is agreeable to having his or her fingerprints taken by the Commissioner under section 27 , unless the Commissioner already holds the relevant person’s fingerprints taken under section 27 .
If a regulation prescribes a fee for taking a relevant person’s fingerprints under section 27 , the application must be accompanied by the fee for each relevant person for the application.
However, subsection (9) does not apply if the Commissioner already holds the relevant person’s fingerprints taken under section 27 .
If a relevant person’s fingerprints are not taken under section 27 for the application, the chief executive must refund to the applicant any fee paid under subsection (9) for the relevant person for the application.
s 10 amd 2003 No. 94 s 83 ; 2007 No. 15 s 14 ; 2008 No. 26 s 13 ; 2008 No. 69 s 88 ; 2009 No. 2 s 71 ; 2010 No. 54 s 61
(sec.10-ssec.1) An application for a licence may be made to the chief executive by— for any licence—an individual; or for a security firm licence—a person or a partnership.
(sec.10-ssec.2) The application must be made in the approved form and must be accompanied by the fee prescribed under a regulation.
(sec.10-ssec.2A) If, before or when the application is made, the chief executive requires the payment of costs under section 12AA (1) , the application must also be accompanied by the amount of the costs required to be paid.
(sec.10-ssec.3) The applicant must state in the application— the term of the licence being applied for; and if the functions of more than 1 type of security provider are intended to be carried out under the licence—each type of security provider for which the licence is sought.
(sec.10-ssec.3A) The applicant must also state in the application— if it is for carrying out the functions of a security officer—the category of functions intended to be carried out under the licence; or if it is for carrying out the functions of a security firm—the security firm services intended to be supplied under the licence.
(sec.10-ssec.3B) If the application is for carrying out the functions of a security firm, the application must include evidence that the applicant is a current member of an approved security industry association.
(sec.10-ssec.4) Only an individual may apply for, or be granted, a licence for carrying out the functions of any of the following— a bodyguard; a crowd controller; a private investigator; a security adviser; a security equipment installer; a security officer.
(sec.10-ssec.5) The chief executive, by written notice, may request the applicant to give further information or documents relevant to the application within a stated period of at least 28 days.
(sec.10-ssec.6) The applicant is taken to have withdrawn the application if, within the stated period, the applicant does not comply with a request under subsection (5) without a reasonable excuse.
(sec.10-ssec.7) A requirement mentioned in subsection (2A) is sufficiently made of the applicant if it is made generally of applicants in the approved form or notified on the department’s website.
(sec.10-ssec.8) An application for a licence may be considered by the chief executive only if each relevant person for the application is agreeable to having his or her fingerprints taken by the Commissioner under section 27 , unless the Commissioner already holds the relevant person’s fingerprints taken under section 27 .
(sec.10-ssec.9) If a regulation prescribes a fee for taking a relevant person’s fingerprints under section 27 , the application must be accompanied by the fee for each relevant person for the application.
(sec.10-ssec.10) However, subsection (9) does not apply if the Commissioner already holds the relevant person’s fingerprints taken under section 27 .
(sec.10-ssec.11) If a relevant person’s fingerprints are not taken under section 27 for the application, the chief executive must refund to the applicant any fee paid under subsection (9) for the relevant person for the application.
(a) for any licence—an individual; or
(b) for a security firm licence—a person or a partnership.
(a) the term of the licence being applied for; and
(b) if the functions of more than 1 type of security provider are intended to be carried out under the licence—each type of security provider for which the licence is sought.
(a) if it is for carrying out the functions of a security officer—the category of functions intended to be carried out under the licence; or
(b) if it is for carrying out the functions of a security firm—the security firm services intended to be supplied under the licence.
(a) a bodyguard;
(b) a crowd controller;
(c) a private investigator;
(d) a security adviser;
(e) a security equipment installer;
(f) a security officer.
sec.11
Entitlement to licences—individuals
sec.11 Entitlement to licences—individuals
This section applies if an individual applies for a licence.
A person is entitled to a licence if the chief executive is satisfied that the person—
is either—
18 years or more; or
for a class 2 licence for carrying out the functions of a security equipment installer—an apprentice or trainee security equipment installer; and
for an application for a class 1 licence, other than a security firm licence or restricted licence—has successfully completed an approved training course for carrying out the functions, or the category of functions, of each type of security provider for which the licence is sought; and
for an application for a security firm licence—is a current member of an approved security industry association; and
is an appropriate person to hold the licence.
A person is taken to comply with subsection (2) (b) if the chief executive is satisfied the person, within 1 year before the day the person’s application for the licence is received by the chief executive, held a licence for carrying out the functions, or the category of functions, of each type of security provider for which the licence is sought.
In deciding whether a person is an appropriate person to hold a licence, the chief executive—
may only consider the matters mentioned in subsections (4) and (5) ; and
may not have regard to criminal intelligence given to the chief executive by the Commissioner under section 48 .
In deciding whether a person is an appropriate person to hold a licence, the chief executive must consider the following matters as indicating that the person may not be an appropriate person—
in dealings in which the person has been involved, the person has—
shown dishonesty or lack of integrity; or
used harassing tactics;
the person has taken advantage, as a debtor, of the laws of bankruptcy;
the person has been convicted of an offence in Queensland or elsewhere for which a conviction has been recorded, including an offence to which the Criminal Law (Rehabilitation of Offenders) Act 1986 , section 6 applies;
an unrecorded finding of guilt has been made against the person in relation to a relevant offence and has not been quashed or set aside by a court;
any other information indicating—
the person is a risk to public safety; or
the holding of the licence by the person would be contrary to the public interest.
A person is not an appropriate person to hold a licence if the person—
has, within 10 years of applying for the licence, been convicted of a disqualifying offence for which a conviction was recorded; or
is subject to a relevant control order.
In this section—
apprentice or trainee means an apprentice or trainee within the meaning of the Further Education and Training Act 2014 .
unrecorded finding of guilt , in relation to a relevant offence, means a finding of guilt, or the acceptance of a plea of guilty, by a court, in relation to the offence, without recording a conviction for the offence.
s 11 amd 2000 No. 16 s 590 sch 1 pt 2 ; 2007 No. 15 s 15 ; 2008 No. 26 s 14 ; 2008 No. 69 s 89 ; 2009 No. 2 s 72 ; 2013 No. 62 ss 58 , 61 ; 2013 No. 64 s 171 ; 2014 No. 25 s 223 sch 1 ; 2016 No. 62 s 378
Note—To give effect to 2008 No. 69 s 89 (1) , ‘from’ has been interpreted as ‘after’.
(sec.11-ssec.1) This section applies if an individual applies for a licence.
(sec.11-ssec.2) A person is entitled to a licence if the chief executive is satisfied that the person— is either— 18 years or more; or for a class 2 licence for carrying out the functions of a security equipment installer—an apprentice or trainee security equipment installer; and for an application for a class 1 licence, other than a security firm licence or restricted licence—has successfully completed an approved training course for carrying out the functions, or the category of functions, of each type of security provider for which the licence is sought; and for an application for a security firm licence—is a current member of an approved security industry association; and is an appropriate person to hold the licence.
(sec.11-ssec.2A) A person is taken to comply with subsection (2) (b) if the chief executive is satisfied the person, within 1 year before the day the person’s application for the licence is received by the chief executive, held a licence for carrying out the functions, or the category of functions, of each type of security provider for which the licence is sought.
(sec.11-ssec.3) In deciding whether a person is an appropriate person to hold a licence, the chief executive— may only consider the matters mentioned in subsections (4) and (5) ; and may not have regard to criminal intelligence given to the chief executive by the Commissioner under section 48 .
(sec.11-ssec.4) In deciding whether a person is an appropriate person to hold a licence, the chief executive must consider the following matters as indicating that the person may not be an appropriate person— in dealings in which the person has been involved, the person has— shown dishonesty or lack of integrity; or used harassing tactics; the person has taken advantage, as a debtor, of the laws of bankruptcy; the person has been convicted of an offence in Queensland or elsewhere for which a conviction has been recorded, including an offence to which the Criminal Law (Rehabilitation of Offenders) Act 1986 , section 6 applies; an unrecorded finding of guilt has been made against the person in relation to a relevant offence and has not been quashed or set aside by a court; any other information indicating— the person is a risk to public safety; or the holding of the licence by the person would be contrary to the public interest.
(sec.11-ssec.5) A person is not an appropriate person to hold a licence if the person— has, within 10 years of applying for the licence, been convicted of a disqualifying offence for which a conviction was recorded; or is subject to a relevant control order.
(sec.11-ssec.6) In this section— apprentice or trainee means an apprentice or trainee within the meaning of the Further Education and Training Act 2014 . unrecorded finding of guilt , in relation to a relevant offence, means a finding of guilt, or the acceptance of a plea of guilty, by a court, in relation to the offence, without recording a conviction for the offence.
(a) is either— (i) 18 years or more; or (ii) for a class 2 licence for carrying out the functions of a security equipment installer—an apprentice or trainee security equipment installer; and
(i) 18 years or more; or
(ii) for a class 2 licence for carrying out the functions of a security equipment installer—an apprentice or trainee security equipment installer; and
(b) for an application for a class 1 licence, other than a security firm licence or restricted licence—has successfully completed an approved training course for carrying out the functions, or the category of functions, of each type of security provider for which the licence is sought; and
(c) for an application for a security firm licence—is a current member of an approved security industry association; and
(d) is an appropriate person to hold the licence.
(i) 18 years or more; or
(ii) for a class 2 licence for carrying out the functions of a security equipment installer—an apprentice or trainee security equipment installer; and
(a) may only consider the matters mentioned in subsections (4) and (5) ; and
(b) may not have regard to criminal intelligence given to the chief executive by the Commissioner under section 48 .
(a) in dealings in which the person has been involved, the person has— (i) shown dishonesty or lack of integrity; or (ii) used harassing tactics;
(i) shown dishonesty or lack of integrity; or
(ii) used harassing tactics;
(b) the person has taken advantage, as a debtor, of the laws of bankruptcy;
(c) the person has been convicted of an offence in Queensland or elsewhere for which a conviction has been recorded, including an offence to which the Criminal Law (Rehabilitation of Offenders) Act 1986 , section 6 applies;
(d) an unrecorded finding of guilt has been made against the person in relation to a relevant offence and has not been quashed or set aside by a court;
(e) any other information indicating— (i) the person is a risk to public safety; or (ii) the holding of the licence by the person would be contrary to the public interest.
(i) the person is a risk to public safety; or
(ii) the holding of the licence by the person would be contrary to the public interest.
(i) shown dishonesty or lack of integrity; or
(ii) used harassing tactics;
(i) the person is a risk to public safety; or
(ii) the holding of the licence by the person would be contrary to the public interest.
(a) has, within 10 years of applying for the licence, been convicted of a disqualifying offence for which a conviction was recorded; or
(b) is subject to a relevant control order.
sec.12
Inquiries about person’s appropriateness to hold licence
sec.12 Inquiries about person’s appropriateness to hold licence
The chief executive may make inquiries about a person to assist in deciding whether the person—
is an appropriate person for the grant of the licence; or
continues to be an appropriate person.
Without limiting subsection (1) , the chief executive may ask the Commissioner to give the chief executive the following written information about the person—
a report about the person’s criminal history;
a brief description of the nature of the offence giving rise to a conviction or charge mentioned in the person’s criminal history.
Subject to subsection (4) , the Commissioner must comply with a request made under subsection (2) .
The duty imposed on the Commissioner to comply with the request applies only to information in the Commissioner’s possession or to which the Commissioner has access.
If the person is, or has been, subject to a control order or registered corresponding control order, the report must—
state the details of the order; or
be accompanied by a copy of the order.
In this section—
offence includes alleged offence.
s 12 amd 2007 No. 15 s 16 ; 2013 No. 64 s 172 ; 2016 No. 62 s 379
(sec.12-ssec.1) The chief executive may make inquiries about a person to assist in deciding whether the person— is an appropriate person for the grant of the licence; or continues to be an appropriate person.
(sec.12-ssec.2) Without limiting subsection (1) , the chief executive may ask the Commissioner to give the chief executive the following written information about the person— a report about the person’s criminal history; a brief description of the nature of the offence giving rise to a conviction or charge mentioned in the person’s criminal history.
(sec.12-ssec.3) Subject to subsection (4) , the Commissioner must comply with a request made under subsection (2) .
(sec.12-ssec.4) The duty imposed on the Commissioner to comply with the request applies only to information in the Commissioner’s possession or to which the Commissioner has access.
(sec.12-ssec.5) If the person is, or has been, subject to a control order or registered corresponding control order, the report must— state the details of the order; or be accompanied by a copy of the order.
(sec.12-ssec.6) In this section— offence includes alleged offence.
(a) is an appropriate person for the grant of the licence; or
(b) continues to be an appropriate person.
(a) a report about the person’s criminal history;
(b) a brief description of the nature of the offence giving rise to a conviction or charge mentioned in the person’s criminal history.
(a) state the details of the order; or
(b) be accompanied by a copy of the order.
sec.12AA
Costs of criminal history report
sec.12AA Costs of criminal history report
The chief executive may require an applicant or licensee to pay the reasonable, but no more than actual, costs of obtaining a report under section 12 (2) about—
the applicant or licensee; or
if the applicant or licensee is a corporation—an officer of the corporation; or
if the applicant or licensee is a partnership—a partner in the partnership.
The chief executive must refund to an applicant an amount paid under the requirement if—
the chief executive refuses the application without asking for the report; or
the applicant withdraws the application before the chief executive asks for the report.
In this section—
applicant includes proposed applicant.
s 12AA ins 2008 No. 69 s 90 ; 2013 No. 64 s 173
amd 2016 No. 62 s 380
(sec.12AA-ssec.1) The chief executive may require an applicant or licensee to pay the reasonable, but no more than actual, costs of obtaining a report under section 12 (2) about— the applicant or licensee; or if the applicant or licensee is a corporation—an officer of the corporation; or if the applicant or licensee is a partnership—a partner in the partnership.
(sec.12AA-ssec.2) The chief executive must refund to an applicant an amount paid under the requirement if— the chief executive refuses the application without asking for the report; or the applicant withdraws the application before the chief executive asks for the report.
(sec.12AA-ssec.3) In this section— applicant includes proposed applicant.
(a) the applicant or licensee; or
(b) if the applicant or licensee is a corporation—an officer of the corporation; or
(c) if the applicant or licensee is a partnership—a partner in the partnership.
(a) the chief executive refuses the application without asking for the report; or
(b) the applicant withdraws the application before the chief executive asks for the report.
sec.12A
Notice of change in criminal history
sec.12A Notice of change in criminal history
This section applies if—
the Commissioner reasonably suspects a person is the holder of, or an applicant for, a licence; and
the person’s criminal history changes.
The Commissioner may notify the chief executive that the person’s criminal history has changed.
The notice must—
state the following details—
the person’s name and any other name the Commissioner believes the person may use or may have used;
the person’s date and place of birth;
a brief description of the nature of the offence giving rise to the conviction or charge to which the change relates; and
if the change includes the person becoming subject to a control order or registered corresponding control order—
state the details of the order; or
be accompanied by a copy of the order.
The chief executive may confirm the Commissioner’s suspicions under subsection (1) .
For a person who does not have a criminal history, there is taken to be a change in the person’s criminal history if the person acquires a criminal history.
In this section—
offence includes alleged offence.
s 12A ins 2007 No. 15 s 17
amd 2016 No. 62 s 381
(sec.12A-ssec.1) This section applies if— the Commissioner reasonably suspects a person is the holder of, or an applicant for, a licence; and the person’s criminal history changes.
(sec.12A-ssec.2) The Commissioner may notify the chief executive that the person’s criminal history has changed.
(sec.12A-ssec.3) The notice must— state the following details— the person’s name and any other name the Commissioner believes the person may use or may have used; the person’s date and place of birth; a brief description of the nature of the offence giving rise to the conviction or charge to which the change relates; and if the change includes the person becoming subject to a control order or registered corresponding control order— state the details of the order; or be accompanied by a copy of the order.
(sec.12A-ssec.4) The chief executive may confirm the Commissioner’s suspicions under subsection (1) .
(sec.12A-ssec.5) For a person who does not have a criminal history, there is taken to be a change in the person’s criminal history if the person acquires a criminal history.
(sec.12A-ssec.6) In this section— offence includes alleged offence.
(a) the Commissioner reasonably suspects a person is the holder of, or an applicant for, a licence; and
(b) the person’s criminal history changes.
(a) state the following details— (i) the person’s name and any other name the Commissioner believes the person may use or may have used; (ii) the person’s date and place of birth; (iii) a brief description of the nature of the offence giving rise to the conviction or charge to which the change relates; and
(i) the person’s name and any other name the Commissioner believes the person may use or may have used;
(ii) the person’s date and place of birth;
(iii) a brief description of the nature of the offence giving rise to the conviction or charge to which the change relates; and
(b) if the change includes the person becoming subject to a control order or registered corresponding control order— (i) state the details of the order; or (ii) be accompanied by a copy of the order.
(i) state the details of the order; or
(ii) be accompanied by a copy of the order.
(i) the person’s name and any other name the Commissioner believes the person may use or may have used;
(ii) the person’s date and place of birth;
(iii) a brief description of the nature of the offence giving rise to the conviction or charge to which the change relates; and
(i) state the details of the order; or
(ii) be accompanied by a copy of the order.
sec.12B
Use of information obtained under s 12 or 12A
sec.12B Use of information obtained under s 12 or 12A
This section applies to the chief executive in considering information about a person obtained under section 12 or 12A .
Information about the following may be used only for making a decision about whether the person is, or continues to be, an appropriate person to hold a licence—
a conviction of the person;
if the person is subject to a control order or registered corresponding control order—the control order.
Information about a charge made against the person for a disqualifying offence may be used only for deciding whether to grant a licence to the person, or to suspend, or to refuse to renew, the person’s licence.
Subsections (2) and (3) do not affect sections 14 (2) and 21 (3) .
When making a decision mentioned in subsection (2) , the chief executive must have regard to the following matters relating to information about the commission of an offence by the person—
when the offence was committed;
the nature of the offence and its relevance to the person carrying out the functions of a security provider under the licence;
anything else the chief executive considers relevant to the decision.
When making a decision mentioned in subsection (3) , the chief executive must have regard to the following matters relating to information about the alleged or possible commission of an offence by the person—
when the offence is alleged to have been committed or may possibly have been committed;
the nature of the alleged or possible offence and its relevance to the person carrying out the functions of a security provider under the licence;
anything else the chief executive considers relevant to the decision.
The chief executive must destroy information obtained by the chief executive under section 12 or 12A as soon as practicable after it is no longer needed for the purpose for which it was requested or given.
The Public Records Act 2023 does not apply to information mentioned in subsection (7) .
s 12B prev s 12B ins 2007 No. 15 s 17
om 2016 No. 62 s 382
pres s 12B (prev s 12C) ins 2007 No. 15 s 17
amd 2008 No. 26 s 15 ; 2013 No. 64 s 174; 2016 No. 62 s 383 (1) – (7)
renum 2016 No. 62 s 383 (8)
amd 2023 No. 33 s 107 sch 4
(sec.12B-ssec.1) This section applies to the chief executive in considering information about a person obtained under section 12 or 12A .
(sec.12B-ssec.2) Information about the following may be used only for making a decision about whether the person is, or continues to be, an appropriate person to hold a licence— a conviction of the person; if the person is subject to a control order or registered corresponding control order—the control order.
(sec.12B-ssec.3) Information about a charge made against the person for a disqualifying offence may be used only for deciding whether to grant a licence to the person, or to suspend, or to refuse to renew, the person’s licence.
(sec.12B-ssec.4) Subsections (2) and (3) do not affect sections 14 (2) and 21 (3) .
(sec.12B-ssec.5) When making a decision mentioned in subsection (2) , the chief executive must have regard to the following matters relating to information about the commission of an offence by the person— when the offence was committed; the nature of the offence and its relevance to the person carrying out the functions of a security provider under the licence; anything else the chief executive considers relevant to the decision.
(sec.12B-ssec.6) When making a decision mentioned in subsection (3) , the chief executive must have regard to the following matters relating to information about the alleged or possible commission of an offence by the person— when the offence is alleged to have been committed or may possibly have been committed; the nature of the alleged or possible offence and its relevance to the person carrying out the functions of a security provider under the licence; anything else the chief executive considers relevant to the decision.
(sec.12B-ssec.7) The chief executive must destroy information obtained by the chief executive under section 12 or 12A as soon as practicable after it is no longer needed for the purpose for which it was requested or given.
(sec.12B-ssec.8) The Public Records Act 2023 does not apply to information mentioned in subsection (7) .
(a) a conviction of the person;
(b) if the person is subject to a control order or registered corresponding control order—the control order.
(a) when the offence was committed;
(b) the nature of the offence and its relevance to the person carrying out the functions of a security provider under the licence;
(c) anything else the chief executive considers relevant to the decision.
(a) when the offence is alleged to have been committed or may possibly have been committed;
(b) the nature of the alleged or possible offence and its relevance to the person carrying out the functions of a security provider under the licence;
(c) anything else the chief executive considers relevant to the decision.
sec.13
Entitlement to licences—corporations or firms
sec.13 Entitlement to licences—corporations or firms
In this section—
officer of a corporation means—
a director, secretary or executive officer of the corporation; or
a person who can control or substantially influence the conduct of the corporation’s affairs including, for example, a person on whose directions or instructions the corporation’s directors usually act.
This section applies if a corporation or partnership applies for a security firm licence.
The applicant is entitled to the licence if the chief executive is satisfied that—
each person who is an officer of the corporation, or partner in the partnership, is an appropriate person to be an officer or partner if the corporation or partnership were granted the licence; and
if the applicant is a corporation—the corporation is an appropriate person to hold the licence; and
the applicant is a current member of an approved security industry association.
For subsection (3) (b) , in deciding whether a corporation is an appropriate person to hold a security firm licence, the chief executive—
must consider the following matters—
whether the corporation has been convicted of a disqualifying offence for which a conviction has not been recorded and that has not been quashed or set aside by a court;
any other information indicating—
the corporation is a risk to public safety; or
the holding of the licence by the corporation would be contrary to the public interest; but
may not have regard to criminal intelligence given to the chief executive by the Commissioner under section 48 .
The imposed conditions of the licence must state the security firm services that may be supplied under the licence.
Sections 11 (3) to (5) , 12 and 12B apply to a decision about whether a person mentioned in subsection (3) (a) is an appropriate person as if the person were the applicant for the licence.
A corporation is not an appropriate person to hold a security firm licence if the corporation—
has, within 10 years of applying for the licence, been convicted of a disqualifying offence for which a conviction has been recorded; or
is subject to a relevant control order.
s 13 amd 2007 No. 15 s 18 ; 2009 No. 2 s 73 ; 2013 No. 62 s 59 ; 2013 No. 64 s 175 ; 2016 No. 62 s 384
(sec.13-ssec.1) In this section— officer of a corporation means— a director, secretary or executive officer of the corporation; or a person who can control or substantially influence the conduct of the corporation’s affairs including, for example, a person on whose directions or instructions the corporation’s directors usually act.
(sec.13-ssec.2) This section applies if a corporation or partnership applies for a security firm licence.
(sec.13-ssec.3) The applicant is entitled to the licence if the chief executive is satisfied that— each person who is an officer of the corporation, or partner in the partnership, is an appropriate person to be an officer or partner if the corporation or partnership were granted the licence; and if the applicant is a corporation—the corporation is an appropriate person to hold the licence; and the applicant is a current member of an approved security industry association.
(sec.13-ssec.3A) For subsection (3) (b) , in deciding whether a corporation is an appropriate person to hold a security firm licence, the chief executive— must consider the following matters— whether the corporation has been convicted of a disqualifying offence for which a conviction has not been recorded and that has not been quashed or set aside by a court; any other information indicating— the corporation is a risk to public safety; or the holding of the licence by the corporation would be contrary to the public interest; but may not have regard to criminal intelligence given to the chief executive by the Commissioner under section 48 .
(sec.13-ssec.4) The imposed conditions of the licence must state the security firm services that may be supplied under the licence.
(sec.13-ssec.5) Sections 11 (3) to (5) , 12 and 12B apply to a decision about whether a person mentioned in subsection (3) (a) is an appropriate person as if the person were the applicant for the licence.
(sec.13-ssec.6) A corporation is not an appropriate person to hold a security firm licence if the corporation— has, within 10 years of applying for the licence, been convicted of a disqualifying offence for which a conviction has been recorded; or is subject to a relevant control order.
(a) a director, secretary or executive officer of the corporation; or
(b) a person who can control or substantially influence the conduct of the corporation’s affairs including, for example, a person on whose directions or instructions the corporation’s directors usually act.
(a) each person who is an officer of the corporation, or partner in the partnership, is an appropriate person to be an officer or partner if the corporation or partnership were granted the licence; and
(b) if the applicant is a corporation—the corporation is an appropriate person to hold the licence; and
(c) the applicant is a current member of an approved security industry association.
(a) must consider the following matters— (i) whether the corporation has been convicted of a disqualifying offence for which a conviction has not been recorded and that has not been quashed or set aside by a court; (ii) any other information indicating— (A) the corporation is a risk to public safety; or (B) the holding of the licence by the corporation would be contrary to the public interest; but
(i) whether the corporation has been convicted of a disqualifying offence for which a conviction has not been recorded and that has not been quashed or set aside by a court;
(ii) any other information indicating— (A) the corporation is a risk to public safety; or (B) the holding of the licence by the corporation would be contrary to the public interest; but
(A) the corporation is a risk to public safety; or
(B) the holding of the licence by the corporation would be contrary to the public interest; but
(b) may not have regard to criminal intelligence given to the chief executive by the Commissioner under section 48 .
(i) whether the corporation has been convicted of a disqualifying offence for which a conviction has not been recorded and that has not been quashed or set aside by a court;
(ii) any other information indicating— (A) the corporation is a risk to public safety; or (B) the holding of the licence by the corporation would be contrary to the public interest; but
(A) the corporation is a risk to public safety; or
(B) the holding of the licence by the corporation would be contrary to the public interest; but
(A) the corporation is a risk to public safety; or
(B) the holding of the licence by the corporation would be contrary to the public interest; but
(a) has, within 10 years of applying for the licence, been convicted of a disqualifying offence for which a conviction has been recorded; or
(b) is subject to a relevant control order.
sec.14
Decision on application
sec.14 Decision on application
The chief executive must consider an application for a licence and either—
grant the licence; or
refuse to grant the licence.
Despite subsection (1) , if the applicant or another person required to be an appropriate person for the grant of the licence has been charged with a disqualifying offence, the chief executive may defer making a decision to grant or to refuse to grant the licence until the end of the proceeding for the charge.
If the chief executive decides to grant the licence, the chief executive must promptly give the applicant—
the licence; and
if a condition is stated on the licence under section 15 —a QCAT information notice for the decision to impose the condition.
A licence must state each type of security provider the functions of which may be carried out under the licence and, for a security officer, the category of functions that may be carried out under the licence.
If the chief executive decides to refuse to grant a licence, or grants a licence other than the licence applied for, the chief executive must give the applicant a QCAT information notice for the decision.
If the chief executive decides to defer making a decision to grant or to refuse to grant the licence, the chief executive must promptly give the applicant a QCAT information notice for the decision to defer making a decision to grant or to refuse to grant the licence.
This section is subject to section 28 (1) .
s 14 amd 2003 No. 94 s 84 ; 2007 No. 15 s 19 ; 2008 No. 26 s 16 ; 2009 No. 24 s 773 ; 2010 No. 54 s 62 ; 2013 No. 64 s 176 ; 2016 No. 62 s 385
(sec.14-ssec.1) The chief executive must consider an application for a licence and either— grant the licence; or refuse to grant the licence.
(sec.14-ssec.2) Despite subsection (1) , if the applicant or another person required to be an appropriate person for the grant of the licence has been charged with a disqualifying offence, the chief executive may defer making a decision to grant or to refuse to grant the licence until the end of the proceeding for the charge.
(sec.14-ssec.3) If the chief executive decides to grant the licence, the chief executive must promptly give the applicant— the licence; and if a condition is stated on the licence under section 15 —a QCAT information notice for the decision to impose the condition.
(sec.14-ssec.4) A licence must state each type of security provider the functions of which may be carried out under the licence and, for a security officer, the category of functions that may be carried out under the licence.
(sec.14-ssec.5) If the chief executive decides to refuse to grant a licence, or grants a licence other than the licence applied for, the chief executive must give the applicant a QCAT information notice for the decision.
(sec.14-ssec.6) If the chief executive decides to defer making a decision to grant or to refuse to grant the licence, the chief executive must promptly give the applicant a QCAT information notice for the decision to defer making a decision to grant or to refuse to grant the licence.
(sec.14-ssec.7) This section is subject to section 28 (1) .
(a) grant the licence; or
(b) refuse to grant the licence.
(a) the licence; and
(b) if a condition is stated on the licence under section 15 —a QCAT information notice for the decision to impose the condition.
sec.14A
Continuation of restricted licence
sec.14A Continuation of restricted licence
Subsection (2) applies if—
a person who is the holder of a restricted licence applies under section 10 for the grant of an unrestricted licence for carrying out the same type of security provider functions as the person is authorised to carry out under the restricted licence; and
the chief executive has not, before the restricted licence ends, decided whether to grant the unrestricted licence.
The restricted licence is taken to continue in force until the day—
the chief executive grants, or refuses to grant, the unrestricted licence; or
the person withdraws the application for the unrestricted licence.
If the chief executive grants the unrestricted licence to the person, the restricted licence is cancelled on the day the unrestricted licence is granted.
s 14A ins 2007 No. 15 s 20
(sec.14A-ssec.1) Subsection (2) applies if— a person who is the holder of a restricted licence applies under section 10 for the grant of an unrestricted licence for carrying out the same type of security provider functions as the person is authorised to carry out under the restricted licence; and the chief executive has not, before the restricted licence ends, decided whether to grant the unrestricted licence.
(sec.14A-ssec.2) The restricted licence is taken to continue in force until the day— the chief executive grants, or refuses to grant, the unrestricted licence; or the person withdraws the application for the unrestricted licence.
(sec.14A-ssec.3) If the chief executive grants the unrestricted licence to the person, the restricted licence is cancelled on the day the unrestricted licence is granted.
(a) a person who is the holder of a restricted licence applies under section 10 for the grant of an unrestricted licence for carrying out the same type of security provider functions as the person is authorised to carry out under the restricted licence; and
(b) the chief executive has not, before the restricted licence ends, decided whether to grant the unrestricted licence.
(a) the chief executive grants, or refuses to grant, the unrestricted licence; or
(b) the person withdraws the application for the unrestricted licence.
pt.2-div.3
Conditions and term of licence
Conditions and term of licence
sec.14B
Statutory conditions
sec.14B Statutory conditions
A restricted licence is subject to the conditions that the licensee—
may carry out only—
for a security provider other than a security officer—the functions of each type of security provider stated in the licence; or
for a security officer—the category of functions of a security officer stated in the licence; and
when carrying out the functions must be under appropriate direct supervision.
An unrestricted licence is subject to the condition that, if required in writing by the chief executive, the licensee must complete relevant approved training—
on renewal of the licence; or
at 1 or more stated intervals during the term of the licence; or
both on renewal of the licence and at 1 or more stated intervals during the term of the licence.
The chief executive may make a requirement under subsection (2) only if satisfied the relevant approved training is required—
because of an increased risk to public safety or protection of property since the licensee’s latest successful completion of an approved training course or relevant approved training; or
to update the licensee’s competency for carrying out the functions, or the category of functions, of a security provider authorised under the licence.
A licensee must comply with the statutory conditions of the licence.
See section 21 (1) (b) for a contravention of a condition of a licence.
No appeal lies against a decision of the chief executive made under subsection (2) .
A court or tribunal must dismiss a proceeding started in contravention of subsection (5) .
In this section—
decision includes a decision affected by jurisdictional error.
relevant approved training , in relation to an unrestricted licence, means training approved by the chief executive for carrying out—
for a security provider other than a security officer—the functions of each type of security provider stated in the licence; or
for a security officer—the category of functions of a security officer stated in the licence.
1 or more components of an approved training course
s 14B ins 2007 No. 15 s 20
sub 2008 No. 26 s 17
(sec.14B-ssec.1) A restricted licence is subject to the conditions that the licensee— may carry out only— for a security provider other than a security officer—the functions of each type of security provider stated in the licence; or for a security officer—the category of functions of a security officer stated in the licence; and when carrying out the functions must be under appropriate direct supervision.
(sec.14B-ssec.2) An unrestricted licence is subject to the condition that, if required in writing by the chief executive, the licensee must complete relevant approved training— on renewal of the licence; or at 1 or more stated intervals during the term of the licence; or both on renewal of the licence and at 1 or more stated intervals during the term of the licence.
(sec.14B-ssec.3) The chief executive may make a requirement under subsection (2) only if satisfied the relevant approved training is required— because of an increased risk to public safety or protection of property since the licensee’s latest successful completion of an approved training course or relevant approved training; or to update the licensee’s competency for carrying out the functions, or the category of functions, of a security provider authorised under the licence.
(sec.14B-ssec.4) A licensee must comply with the statutory conditions of the licence. See section 21 (1) (b) for a contravention of a condition of a licence.
(sec.14B-ssec.5) No appeal lies against a decision of the chief executive made under subsection (2) .
(sec.14B-ssec.6) A court or tribunal must dismiss a proceeding started in contravention of subsection (5) .
(sec.14B-ssec.7) In this section— decision includes a decision affected by jurisdictional error. relevant approved training , in relation to an unrestricted licence, means training approved by the chief executive for carrying out— for a security provider other than a security officer—the functions of each type of security provider stated in the licence; or for a security officer—the category of functions of a security officer stated in the licence. 1 or more components of an approved training course
(a) may carry out only— (i) for a security provider other than a security officer—the functions of each type of security provider stated in the licence; or (ii) for a security officer—the category of functions of a security officer stated in the licence; and
(i) for a security provider other than a security officer—the functions of each type of security provider stated in the licence; or
(ii) for a security officer—the category of functions of a security officer stated in the licence; and
(b) when carrying out the functions must be under appropriate direct supervision.
(i) for a security provider other than a security officer—the functions of each type of security provider stated in the licence; or
(ii) for a security officer—the category of functions of a security officer stated in the licence; and
(a) on renewal of the licence; or
(b) at 1 or more stated intervals during the term of the licence; or
(c) both on renewal of the licence and at 1 or more stated intervals during the term of the licence.
(a) because of an increased risk to public safety or protection of property since the licensee’s latest successful completion of an approved training course or relevant approved training; or
(b) to update the licensee’s competency for carrying out the functions, or the category of functions, of a security provider authorised under the licence.
(a) for a security provider other than a security officer—the functions of each type of security provider stated in the licence; or
(b) for a security officer—the category of functions of a security officer stated in the licence.
1 or more components of an approved training course
sec.15
Imposed conditions
sec.15 Imposed conditions
The chief executive may grant a licence on conditions decided by the chief executive and stated on the licence ( imposed conditions ).
Without limiting subsection (1) , for a security firm licence, the imposed conditions may include a condition that the licensee must monitor, at stated intervals, whether or not its employees who are employed as security providers are complying with this Act.
The licensee must comply with the imposed conditions of the licence.
The contravention of an imposed condition that is prescribed under a regulation for this section is an offence.
Maximum penalty—40 penalty units.
Also, see section 21 (1) (b) for a contravention of a condition of a licence.
s 15 amd 2007 No. 15 s 21 ; 2008 No. 26 s 18
(sec.15-ssec.1) The chief executive may grant a licence on conditions decided by the chief executive and stated on the licence ( imposed conditions ).
(sec.15-ssec.2) Without limiting subsection (1) , for a security firm licence, the imposed conditions may include a condition that the licensee must monitor, at stated intervals, whether or not its employees who are employed as security providers are complying with this Act.
(sec.15-ssec.3) The licensee must comply with the imposed conditions of the licence.
(sec.15-ssec.4) The contravention of an imposed condition that is prescribed under a regulation for this section is an offence. Maximum penalty—40 penalty units. Also, see section 21 (1) (b) for a contravention of a condition of a licence.
sec.16
Term of licence
sec.16 Term of licence
A licence, other than a restricted licence, may be issued for a term of 1 year or 3 years.
A restricted licence may be issued for a term of not more than 6 months.
After the term of a restricted licence (the first licence ) ends, the person who held the first licence can not apply for a further restricted licence for carrying out the functions that were authorised under the first licence.
s 16 sub 2007 No. 15 s 22
(sec.16-ssec.1) A licence, other than a restricted licence, may be issued for a term of 1 year or 3 years.
(sec.16-ssec.2) A restricted licence may be issued for a term of not more than 6 months.
(sec.16-ssec.3) After the term of a restricted licence (the first licence ) ends, the person who held the first licence can not apply for a further restricted licence for carrying out the functions that were authorised under the first licence.
pt.2-div.4
Amendment of licence
Amendment of licence
sec.17
Amendment of licence on application
sec.17 Amendment of licence on application
A licensee may apply to the chief executive for an amendment of the licence, other than its statutory conditions.
The application must be in the approved form and accompanied by the fee prescribed under a regulation.
The chief executive must decide the application by—
amending the licence in the way applied for; or
with the applicant’s written agreement, amending the licence in another way; or
refusing to amend the licence.
If the chief executive decides to refuse to amend the licence, the chief executive must give the applicant a QCAT information notice for the decision.
An amendment under this section has effect when the chief executive gives notice of the amendment to the licensee or at a later time stated in the notice.
s 17 sub 2007 No. 15 s 22
amd 2009 No. 24 s 774
(sec.17-ssec.1) A licensee may apply to the chief executive for an amendment of the licence, other than its statutory conditions.
(sec.17-ssec.2) The application must be in the approved form and accompanied by the fee prescribed under a regulation.
(sec.17-ssec.3) The chief executive must decide the application by— amending the licence in the way applied for; or with the applicant’s written agreement, amending the licence in another way; or refusing to amend the licence.
(sec.17-ssec.4) If the chief executive decides to refuse to amend the licence, the chief executive must give the applicant a QCAT information notice for the decision.
(sec.17-ssec.5) An amendment under this section has effect when the chief executive gives notice of the amendment to the licensee or at a later time stated in the notice.
(a) amending the licence in the way applied for; or
(b) with the applicant’s written agreement, amending the licence in another way; or
(c) refusing to amend the licence.
sec.18
Amendment of licence by chief executive
sec.18 Amendment of licence by chief executive
This section applies if—
the chief executive considers a licence, other than its statutory conditions, should be amended; and
the licensee has not applied for the amendment under section 17 .
The chief executive must give the licensee a written notice (the show cause notice ) that—
states the reasons for the amendment; and
outlines the facts and circumstances forming the basis of the reasons; and
invites the licensee to show cause within a stated period, of at least 28 days, why the licence should not be amended.
The chief executive may amend the licence, other than its statutory conditions, if, after considering all representations made within the stated period, the chief executive still believes the licence should be amended—
in the way mentioned in the show cause notice; or
in another way, having regard to the representations.
If the chief executive decides to amend the licence, the chief executive must give the licensee a QCAT information notice for the decision.
Subsections (2) to (4) do not apply if the licence is to be amended only—
by omitting an imposed condition; or
to correct a minor error or to make a change that is not a change of substance; or
in another way that does not adversely affect the licensee’s interests.
The chief executive may make an amendment of a type mentioned in subsection (5) by written notice given to the licensee.
An amendment under this section has effect when the chief executive gives notice of the amendment to the licensee or at a later time stated in the notice.
s 18 amd 2005 No. 17 s 35
sub 2007 No. 15 s 22
amd 2009 No. 24 s 775
(sec.18-ssec.1) This section applies if— the chief executive considers a licence, other than its statutory conditions, should be amended; and the licensee has not applied for the amendment under section 17 .
(sec.18-ssec.2) The chief executive must give the licensee a written notice (the show cause notice ) that— states the reasons for the amendment; and outlines the facts and circumstances forming the basis of the reasons; and invites the licensee to show cause within a stated period, of at least 28 days, why the licence should not be amended.
(sec.18-ssec.3) The chief executive may amend the licence, other than its statutory conditions, if, after considering all representations made within the stated period, the chief executive still believes the licence should be amended— in the way mentioned in the show cause notice; or in another way, having regard to the representations.
(sec.18-ssec.4) If the chief executive decides to amend the licence, the chief executive must give the licensee a QCAT information notice for the decision.
(sec.18-ssec.5) Subsections (2) to (4) do not apply if the licence is to be amended only— by omitting an imposed condition; or to correct a minor error or to make a change that is not a change of substance; or in another way that does not adversely affect the licensee’s interests.
(sec.18-ssec.6) The chief executive may make an amendment of a type mentioned in subsection (5) by written notice given to the licensee.
(sec.18-ssec.7) An amendment under this section has effect when the chief executive gives notice of the amendment to the licensee or at a later time stated in the notice.
(a) the chief executive considers a licence, other than its statutory conditions, should be amended; and
(b) the licensee has not applied for the amendment under section 17 .
(a) states the reasons for the amendment; and
(b) outlines the facts and circumstances forming the basis of the reasons; and
(c) invites the licensee to show cause within a stated period, of at least 28 days, why the licence should not be amended.
(a) in the way mentioned in the show cause notice; or
(b) in another way, having regard to the representations.
(a) by omitting an imposed condition; or
(b) to correct a minor error or to make a change that is not a change of substance; or
(c) in another way that does not adversely affect the licensee’s interests.
sec.19
Notice to return licence for recording amendment
sec.19 Notice to return licence for recording amendment
The chief executive, by written notice, may require a licensee to return the licensee’s licence to the chief executive within a stated period, of at least 14 days, to enable the chief executive to record on the licence an amendment of the licence under section 17 or 18 .
After recording the amendment, the chief executive must return the licence to the licensee.
A licensee to whom a notice under subsection (1) is given must comply with the notice, unless the licensee has a reasonable excuse.
Maximum penalty—20 penalty units.
The amendment of a licence under section 17 or 18 does not depend on the amendment being recorded on the licence under this section.
s 19 sub 2003 No. 94 s 85 ; 2007 No. 15 s 22
(sec.19-ssec.1) The chief executive, by written notice, may require a licensee to return the licensee’s licence to the chief executive within a stated period, of at least 14 days, to enable the chief executive to record on the licence an amendment of the licence under section 17 or 18 .
(sec.19-ssec.2) After recording the amendment, the chief executive must return the licence to the licensee.
(sec.19-ssec.3) A licensee to whom a notice under subsection (1) is given must comply with the notice, unless the licensee has a reasonable excuse. Maximum penalty—20 penalty units.
(sec.19-ssec.4) The amendment of a licence under section 17 or 18 does not depend on the amendment being recorded on the licence under this section.
pt.2-div.5
Other provisions about licence
Other provisions about licence
sec.20
Renewal of unrestricted licence
sec.20 Renewal of unrestricted licence
A licensee may apply to the chief executive for the renewal of an unrestricted licence before the licence ends.
If, before or when the application is made, the chief executive requires the payment of costs under section 12AA (1) , the application must be accompanied by the amount of the costs required to be paid.
If an application for renewal of an unrestricted licence is made, the chief executive must renew the licence unless the chief executive refuses to renew it under section 22 or 28 (2) .
Despite subsection (2) , but without limiting section 22 , if either of the following has been charged with a disqualifying offence, the chief executive may defer making a decision to renew or to refuse to renew the unrestricted licence until the end of the proceeding for the charge—
the applicant;
another person required to be an appropriate person for the grant of the unrestricted licence.
A renewal begins at the end of the day on which, apart from its renewal, the unrestricted licence would have ended.
A renewal is for the term, of 1 year or 3 years, specified in the renewed licence.
If an application is made under subsection (1) for the renewal of an unrestricted licence and the chief executive has not, before the licence ends, decided whether to renew the licence, the licence is taken to continue in force until the day—
the chief executive renews, or refuses to renew, the licence; or
the licensee withdraws the application for renewal.
A requirement mentioned in subsection (1A) is sufficiently made of the applicant if it is made generally of applicants in the approved form or notified on the department’s web site.
An application for renewal of an unrestricted licence may be considered by the chief executive only if each relevant person for the application is agreeable to having his or her fingerprints taken by the Commissioner under section 27 , unless the Commissioner already holds the relevant person’s fingerprints taken under section 27 .
If a regulation prescribes a fee for taking a relevant person’s fingerprints under section 27 , the application must be accompanied by the fee for each relevant person for the application.
However, subsection (8) does not apply if the Commissioner already holds the relevant person’s fingerprints taken under section 27 .
If a relevant person’s fingerprints are not taken under section 27 for the application, the chief executive must refund to the applicant any fee paid under subsection (8) for the relevant person for the application.
s 20 amd 1999 No. 63 s 87 ; 2003 No. 94 s 86 ; 2007 No. 15 s 23 ; 2008 No. 69 s 91 ; 2010 No. 54 s 63
(sec.20-ssec.1) A licensee may apply to the chief executive for the renewal of an unrestricted licence before the licence ends.
(sec.20-ssec.1A) If, before or when the application is made, the chief executive requires the payment of costs under section 12AA (1) , the application must be accompanied by the amount of the costs required to be paid.
(sec.20-ssec.2) If an application for renewal of an unrestricted licence is made, the chief executive must renew the licence unless the chief executive refuses to renew it under section 22 or 28 (2) .
(sec.20-ssec.2A) Despite subsection (2) , but without limiting section 22 , if either of the following has been charged with a disqualifying offence, the chief executive may defer making a decision to renew or to refuse to renew the unrestricted licence until the end of the proceeding for the charge— the applicant; another person required to be an appropriate person for the grant of the unrestricted licence.
(sec.20-ssec.3) A renewal begins at the end of the day on which, apart from its renewal, the unrestricted licence would have ended.
(sec.20-ssec.4) A renewal is for the term, of 1 year or 3 years, specified in the renewed licence.
(sec.20-ssec.5) If an application is made under subsection (1) for the renewal of an unrestricted licence and the chief executive has not, before the licence ends, decided whether to renew the licence, the licence is taken to continue in force until the day— the chief executive renews, or refuses to renew, the licence; or the licensee withdraws the application for renewal.
(sec.20-ssec.6) A requirement mentioned in subsection (1A) is sufficiently made of the applicant if it is made generally of applicants in the approved form or notified on the department’s web site.
(sec.20-ssec.7) An application for renewal of an unrestricted licence may be considered by the chief executive only if each relevant person for the application is agreeable to having his or her fingerprints taken by the Commissioner under section 27 , unless the Commissioner already holds the relevant person’s fingerprints taken under section 27 .
(sec.20-ssec.8) If a regulation prescribes a fee for taking a relevant person’s fingerprints under section 27 , the application must be accompanied by the fee for each relevant person for the application.
(sec.20-ssec.9) However, subsection (8) does not apply if the Commissioner already holds the relevant person’s fingerprints taken under section 27 .
(sec.20-ssec.10) If a relevant person’s fingerprints are not taken under section 27 for the application, the chief executive must refund to the applicant any fee paid under subsection (8) for the relevant person for the application.
(a) the applicant;
(b) another person required to be an appropriate person for the grant of the unrestricted licence.
(a) the chief executive renews, or refuses to renew, the licence; or
(b) the licensee withdraws the application for renewal.
sec.21
Grounds for suspension, cancellation or refusal to renew
sec.21 Grounds for suspension, cancellation or refusal to renew
Each of the following is a ground for the suspension or cancellation of a licence or the refusal to renew a licence—
the licence, or a renewal of the licence, was obtained because of materially incorrect or misleading information;
the licensee has contravened this Act, including a code of practice, or a condition of the licence;
the licensee has committed an offence against this Act;
if the licensee is an individual or a partnership—the individual, the partnership or any partner—
has been convicted of an offence against the Industrial Relations Act 2016 , section 928 relating to the under payment of wages; or
has contravened an order of the industrial commission or of the Industrial Magistrates Court to pay wages;
if the licensee is a corporation—
the licensee has been convicted of an offence against the Workplace Relations Act 1996 (Cwlth) , section 719 in relation to the payment of an amount to a person; or
the licensee has contravened an order of an eligible court under the Workplace Relations Act 1996 (Cwlth) , section 719 (6) or (7) or 720 to pay an amount to or on behalf of the person;
Workplace Relations Act 1996 (Cwlth) —see the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 14H and the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cwlth) .
the licensee is not a member of an approved security industry association;
the licensee, or another person required to be an appropriate person for the grant of the licence, is not, or is no longer, an appropriate person.
However, subsection (1) (f) applies only if at least 60 days have passed since the later of the following—
the licensee was last a member of an approved security industry association;
the commencement of this subsection.
Despite subsection (1) (g) , the following are not grounds for cancellation of a licence under section 22 —
the licensee, or another person required to be an appropriate person in relation to the licence, is convicted of a disqualifying offence;
the licensee, or another person required to be an appropriate person in relation to the licence, becomes subject to a relevant control order.
See section 24 for cancellation of a licence in the circumstances mentioned in this subsection.
The question whether a person is, or continues to be, an appropriate person is decided in the same way as the question whether the person would be an appropriate person for the grant of the licence.
The charging of a licensee, or another person required to be an appropriate person for the grant of the licence, with a disqualifying offence is a ground for suspending, or refusing to renew, the licence concerned until the end of the proceeding for the charge.
The power of the court to impose conditions of bail under the Bail Act 1980 includes the power to impose a condition that the licensee not act as a security provider as stated in the condition.
s 21 amd 2003 No. 94 s 87 ; 2007 No. 15 s 24 ; 2008 No. 69 s 92 ; 2009 No. 2 s 74 ; 2013 No. 64 s 177 ; 2016 No. 62 s 386 ; 2016 No. 63 s 1157 sch 6
(sec.21-ssec.1) Each of the following is a ground for the suspension or cancellation of a licence or the refusal to renew a licence— the licence, or a renewal of the licence, was obtained because of materially incorrect or misleading information; the licensee has contravened this Act, including a code of practice, or a condition of the licence; the licensee has committed an offence against this Act; if the licensee is an individual or a partnership—the individual, the partnership or any partner— has been convicted of an offence against the Industrial Relations Act 2016 , section 928 relating to the under payment of wages; or has contravened an order of the industrial commission or of the Industrial Magistrates Court to pay wages; if the licensee is a corporation— the licensee has been convicted of an offence against the Workplace Relations Act 1996 (Cwlth) , section 719 in relation to the payment of an amount to a person; or the licensee has contravened an order of an eligible court under the Workplace Relations Act 1996 (Cwlth) , section 719 (6) or (7) or 720 to pay an amount to or on behalf of the person; Workplace Relations Act 1996 (Cwlth) —see the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 14H and the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cwlth) . the licensee is not a member of an approved security industry association; the licensee, or another person required to be an appropriate person for the grant of the licence, is not, or is no longer, an appropriate person.
(sec.21-ssec.2) However, subsection (1) (f) applies only if at least 60 days have passed since the later of the following— the licensee was last a member of an approved security industry association; the commencement of this subsection.
(sec.21-ssec.3) Despite subsection (1) (g) , the following are not grounds for cancellation of a licence under section 22 — the licensee, or another person required to be an appropriate person in relation to the licence, is convicted of a disqualifying offence; the licensee, or another person required to be an appropriate person in relation to the licence, becomes subject to a relevant control order. See section 24 for cancellation of a licence in the circumstances mentioned in this subsection.
(sec.21-ssec.4) The question whether a person is, or continues to be, an appropriate person is decided in the same way as the question whether the person would be an appropriate person for the grant of the licence.
(sec.21-ssec.5) The charging of a licensee, or another person required to be an appropriate person for the grant of the licence, with a disqualifying offence is a ground for suspending, or refusing to renew, the licence concerned until the end of the proceeding for the charge.
(sec.21-ssec.6) The power of the court to impose conditions of bail under the Bail Act 1980 includes the power to impose a condition that the licensee not act as a security provider as stated in the condition.
(a) the licence, or a renewal of the licence, was obtained because of materially incorrect or misleading information;
(b) the licensee has contravened this Act, including a code of practice, or a condition of the licence;
(c) the licensee has committed an offence against this Act;
(d) if the licensee is an individual or a partnership—the individual, the partnership or any partner— (i) has been convicted of an offence against the Industrial Relations Act 2016 , section 928 relating to the under payment of wages; or (ii) has contravened an order of the industrial commission or of the Industrial Magistrates Court to pay wages;
(i) has been convicted of an offence against the Industrial Relations Act 2016 , section 928 relating to the under payment of wages; or
(ii) has contravened an order of the industrial commission or of the Industrial Magistrates Court to pay wages;
(e) if the licensee is a corporation— (i) the licensee has been convicted of an offence against the Workplace Relations Act 1996 (Cwlth) , section 719 in relation to the payment of an amount to a person; or (ii) the licensee has contravened an order of an eligible court under the Workplace Relations Act 1996 (Cwlth) , section 719 (6) or (7) or 720 to pay an amount to or on behalf of the person; Editor’s note— Workplace Relations Act 1996 (Cwlth) —see the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 14H and the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cwlth) .
(i) the licensee has been convicted of an offence against the Workplace Relations Act 1996 (Cwlth) , section 719 in relation to the payment of an amount to a person; or
(ii) the licensee has contravened an order of an eligible court under the Workplace Relations Act 1996 (Cwlth) , section 719 (6) or (7) or 720 to pay an amount to or on behalf of the person;
(f) the licensee is not a member of an approved security industry association;
(g) the licensee, or another person required to be an appropriate person for the grant of the licence, is not, or is no longer, an appropriate person.
(i) has been convicted of an offence against the Industrial Relations Act 2016 , section 928 relating to the under payment of wages; or
(ii) has contravened an order of the industrial commission or of the Industrial Magistrates Court to pay wages;
(i) the licensee has been convicted of an offence against the Workplace Relations Act 1996 (Cwlth) , section 719 in relation to the payment of an amount to a person; or
(ii) the licensee has contravened an order of an eligible court under the Workplace Relations Act 1996 (Cwlth) , section 719 (6) or (7) or 720 to pay an amount to or on behalf of the person;
(a) the licensee was last a member of an approved security industry association;
(b) the commencement of this subsection.
(a) the licensee, or another person required to be an appropriate person in relation to the licence, is convicted of a disqualifying offence;
(b) the licensee, or another person required to be an appropriate person in relation to the licence, becomes subject to a relevant control order.
sec.21A
Approved security industry association must give notice of persons whose membership of the association ends
sec.21A Approved security industry association must give notice of persons whose membership of the association ends
An approved security industry association must, within 14 days after the end of each successive month after becoming an approved security industry association, give the chief executive written notice of—
each person whose membership of the association ended during the month; and
the date the membership ended.
Maximum penalty—20 penalty units.
s 21A ins 2009 No. 2 s 75
(a) each person whose membership of the association ended during the month; and
(b) the date the membership ended.
sec.22
Procedure for suspension, cancellation or refusal to renew
sec.22 Procedure for suspension, cancellation or refusal to renew
If the chief executive considers that reasonable grounds exist to suspend, cancel or refuse to renew a licence (the action ), the chief executive must give the licensee a written notice (the show cause notice ) that—
states the action proposed; and
states the grounds for proposing to take the action; and
outlines the facts and circumstances that form the basis for the chief executive’s belief; and
if the chief executive proposes to suspend the licence—states the proposed suspension period; and
invites the licensee to show cause within a specified time, of not less than 28 days, why the action proposed should not be taken.
If, after considering all representations made within the specified time, the chief executive still believes that grounds to take the action exist, the chief executive may—
if the show cause notice was a notice of intention to suspend the licence for a specified period—suspend the licence for a period not longer than the specified period; or
if the show cause notice was a notice of intention to cancel the licence—
cancel the licence; or
suspend the licence for a period; or
if the show cause notice was a notice of intention not to renew the licence—
refuse to renew the licence; or
refuse to renew the license for a period.
The chief executive must, by written notice, inform—
generally—a licensee of a decision to cancel, suspend or refuse to renew the licensee’s licence; or
for a licensee mentioned in subsection (1) —the licensee of a decision not to take the action.
If the chief executive decides to cancel, suspend or refuse to renew the licence, the notice must be a QCAT information notice for the decision.
The decision takes effect on the later of the following—
the day on which the notice is given to the licensee;
the day specified in the notice.
s 22 amd 2009 No. 24 s 776 ; 2013 No. 64 s 178 ; 2016 No. 62 s 387
(sec.22-ssec.1) If the chief executive considers that reasonable grounds exist to suspend, cancel or refuse to renew a licence (the action ), the chief executive must give the licensee a written notice (the show cause notice ) that— states the action proposed; and states the grounds for proposing to take the action; and outlines the facts and circumstances that form the basis for the chief executive’s belief; and if the chief executive proposes to suspend the licence—states the proposed suspension period; and invites the licensee to show cause within a specified time, of not less than 28 days, why the action proposed should not be taken.
(sec.22-ssec.2) If, after considering all representations made within the specified time, the chief executive still believes that grounds to take the action exist, the chief executive may— if the show cause notice was a notice of intention to suspend the licence for a specified period—suspend the licence for a period not longer than the specified period; or if the show cause notice was a notice of intention to cancel the licence— cancel the licence; or suspend the licence for a period; or if the show cause notice was a notice of intention not to renew the licence— refuse to renew the licence; or refuse to renew the license for a period.
(sec.22-ssec.3) The chief executive must, by written notice, inform— generally—a licensee of a decision to cancel, suspend or refuse to renew the licensee’s licence; or for a licensee mentioned in subsection (1) —the licensee of a decision not to take the action.
(sec.22-ssec.4) If the chief executive decides to cancel, suspend or refuse to renew the licence, the notice must be a QCAT information notice for the decision.
(sec.22-ssec.5) The decision takes effect on the later of the following— the day on which the notice is given to the licensee; the day specified in the notice.
(a) states the action proposed; and
(b) states the grounds for proposing to take the action; and
(c) outlines the facts and circumstances that form the basis for the chief executive’s belief; and
(d) if the chief executive proposes to suspend the licence—states the proposed suspension period; and
(e) invites the licensee to show cause within a specified time, of not less than 28 days, why the action proposed should not be taken.
(a) if the show cause notice was a notice of intention to suspend the licence for a specified period—suspend the licence for a period not longer than the specified period; or
(b) if the show cause notice was a notice of intention to cancel the licence— (i) cancel the licence; or (ii) suspend the licence for a period; or
(i) cancel the licence; or
(ii) suspend the licence for a period; or
(c) if the show cause notice was a notice of intention not to renew the licence— (i) refuse to renew the licence; or (ii) refuse to renew the license for a period.
(i) refuse to renew the licence; or
(ii) refuse to renew the license for a period.
(i) cancel the licence; or
(ii) suspend the licence for a period; or
(i) refuse to renew the licence; or
(ii) refuse to renew the license for a period.
(a) generally—a licensee of a decision to cancel, suspend or refuse to renew the licensee’s licence; or
(b) for a licensee mentioned in subsection (1) —the licensee of a decision not to take the action.
(a) the day on which the notice is given to the licensee;
(b) the day specified in the notice.
sec.23
Return of suspended or cancelled licence
sec.23 Return of suspended or cancelled licence
If the chief executive cancels or suspends a person’s licence, the chief executive may give the person a written notice requiring the person to return the licence as specified within a specified period, of not less than 14 days.
The person must comply with the notice, unless the person has a reasonable excuse not to comply with it.
Maximum penalty—20 penalty units.
If a licence returned to the chief executive is still current at the end of the suspension period, the chief executive must return the licence to the licensee.
(sec.23-ssec.1) If the chief executive cancels or suspends a person’s licence, the chief executive may give the person a written notice requiring the person to return the licence as specified within a specified period, of not less than 14 days.
(sec.23-ssec.2) The person must comply with the notice, unless the person has a reasonable excuse not to comply with it. Maximum penalty—20 penalty units.
(sec.23-ssec.3) If a licence returned to the chief executive is still current at the end of the suspension period, the chief executive must return the licence to the licensee.
sec.23A
Section sec.23A
s 23A ins 2013 No. 64 s 179
om 2016 No. 62 s 388
sec.24
Automatic cancellation
sec.24 Automatic cancellation
A licensee’s licence is cancelled if the licensee, or another person required to be an appropriate person in relation to the licence—
is convicted of a disqualifying offence for which a conviction is recorded; or
becomes subject to a relevant control order.
A person whose licence is cancelled under subsection (1) must return the licence to the chief executive within 14 days after the happening of the event mentioned in subsection (1) .
Maximum penalty for subsection (2) —20 penalty units.
s 24 amd 2013 No. 62 s 60
sub 2016 No. 62 s 389
(sec.24-ssec.1) A licensee’s licence is cancelled if the licensee, or another person required to be an appropriate person in relation to the licence— is convicted of a disqualifying offence for which a conviction is recorded; or becomes subject to a relevant control order.
(sec.24-ssec.2) A person whose licence is cancelled under subsection (1) must return the licence to the chief executive within 14 days after the happening of the event mentioned in subsection (1) . Maximum penalty for subsection (2) —20 penalty units.
(a) is convicted of a disqualifying offence for which a conviction is recorded; or
(b) becomes subject to a relevant control order.
sec.25
Replacement licences
sec.25 Replacement licences
A licensee may apply to the chief executive for the replacement of a lost, stolen or destroyed licence.
The chief executive must consider each application and either—
replace the licence; or
refuse to replace the licence.
If the chief executive is satisfied that the licence has been lost, stolen or destroyed, the chief executive must replace the licence.
If the chief executive decides to refuse to replace the licence, the chief executive must give the applicant a QCAT information notice for the decision.
s 25 amd 2009 No. 24 s 777
(sec.25-ssec.1) A licensee may apply to the chief executive for the replacement of a lost, stolen or destroyed licence.
(sec.25-ssec.2) The chief executive must consider each application and either— replace the licence; or refuse to replace the licence.
(sec.25-ssec.3) If the chief executive is satisfied that the licence has been lost, stolen or destroyed, the chief executive must replace the licence.
(sec.25-ssec.4) If the chief executive decides to refuse to replace the licence, the chief executive must give the applicant a QCAT information notice for the decision.
(a) replace the licence; or
(b) refuse to replace the licence.
sec.25A
Production of licence
sec.25A Production of licence
This section applies if—
a licensee is not wearing the prescribed identification when carrying out a function of a security provider; and
a person with whom the licensee is dealing when carrying out the function asks to inspect the licensee’s licence.
The licensee must produce the licensee’s licence for inspection.
Maximum penalty—20 penalty units.
s 25A ins 2007 No. 15 s 25
sub 2014 No. 8 s 167
(sec.25A-ssec.1) This section applies if— a licensee is not wearing the prescribed identification when carrying out a function of a security provider; and a person with whom the licensee is dealing when carrying out the function asks to inspect the licensee’s licence.
(sec.25A-ssec.2) The licensee must produce the licensee’s licence for inspection. Maximum penalty—20 penalty units.
(a) a licensee is not wearing the prescribed identification when carrying out a function of a security provider; and
(b) a person with whom the licensee is dealing when carrying out the function asks to inspect the licensee’s licence.
sec.25B
Approval of security industry associations
sec.25B Approval of security industry associations
The chief executive may, under requirements prescribed under a regulation—
approve security industry associations for the purposes of this part; or
withdraw a security industry association’s approval under paragraph (a) .
s 25B ins 2009 No. 2 s 76
(a) approve security industry associations for the purposes of this part; or
(b) withdraw a security industry association’s approval under paragraph (a) .
pt.2-div.6
Review of licence decisions
Review of licence decisions
sec.26
Review by QCAT of particular decisions of chief executive
sec.26 Review by QCAT of particular decisions of chief executive
An applicant for a licence may apply to QCAT for a review of a decision of the chief executive—
to refuse to grant the licence; or
to grant a licence other than the licence applied for, including, for example, by—
granting a licence authorising the carrying out of the functions of only some of the types of security provider applied for; or
imposing a condition on the licence; or
to defer making a decision to grant or to refuse to grant the licence.
A licensee may apply to QCAT for a review of a decision of the chief executive—
to amend the licence; or
to refuse to amend the licence; or
to suspend or cancel the licence; or
to refuse to renew the licence; or
to refuse to replace the licence.
The application must be made as provided under the QCAT Act .
s 26 amd 2003 No. 94 s 88 ; 2007 No. 15 s 26 ; 2009 No. 24 s 779 ; 2009 No. 2 s 78 (amdt could not be given effect)
(sec.26-ssec.1) An applicant for a licence may apply to QCAT for a review of a decision of the chief executive— to refuse to grant the licence; or to grant a licence other than the licence applied for, including, for example, by— granting a licence authorising the carrying out of the functions of only some of the types of security provider applied for; or imposing a condition on the licence; or to defer making a decision to grant or to refuse to grant the licence.
(sec.26-ssec.2) A licensee may apply to QCAT for a review of a decision of the chief executive— to amend the licence; or to refuse to amend the licence; or to suspend or cancel the licence; or to refuse to renew the licence; or to refuse to replace the licence.
(sec.26-ssec.3) The application must be made as provided under the QCAT Act .
(a) to refuse to grant the licence; or
(b) to grant a licence other than the licence applied for, including, for example, by— (i) granting a licence authorising the carrying out of the functions of only some of the types of security provider applied for; or (ii) imposing a condition on the licence; or
(i) granting a licence authorising the carrying out of the functions of only some of the types of security provider applied for; or
(ii) imposing a condition on the licence; or
(c) to defer making a decision to grant or to refuse to grant the licence.
(i) granting a licence authorising the carrying out of the functions of only some of the types of security provider applied for; or
(ii) imposing a condition on the licence; or
(a) to amend the licence; or
(b) to refuse to amend the licence; or
(c) to suspend or cancel the licence; or
(d) to refuse to renew the licence; or
(e) to refuse to replace the licence.
sec.26A
Section sec.26A
s 26A ins 2013 No. 64 s 180
om 2016 No. 62 s 390
sec.26B
Section sec.26B
s 26B ins 2013 No. 64 s 180
om 2016 No. 62 s 390
pt.2-div.7
Fingerprint procedures
Fingerprint procedures
sec.27
Fingerprints to be taken
sec.27 Fingerprints to be taken
This section applies if a person is agreeable under section 10 (8) or 20 (7) to having his or her fingerprints taken by the Commissioner.
For the following purposes, the chief executive must ask the Commissioner to take the person’s fingerprints—
to assist the chief executive in deciding whether the person is, or continues to be, an appropriate person to hold a licence;
to assist the chief executive in identifying the person for the purpose mentioned in paragraph (a) .
The Commissioner must comply with a request made under subsection (2) .
s 27 prev s 27 om 2009 No. 24 s 780
pres s 27 ins 2010 No. 54 s 64
(sec.27-ssec.1) This section applies if a person is agreeable under section 10 (8) or 20 (7) to having his or her fingerprints taken by the Commissioner.
(sec.27-ssec.2) For the following purposes, the chief executive must ask the Commissioner to take the person’s fingerprints— to assist the chief executive in deciding whether the person is, or continues to be, an appropriate person to hold a licence; to assist the chief executive in identifying the person for the purpose mentioned in paragraph (a) .
(sec.27-ssec.3) The Commissioner must comply with a request made under subsection (2) .
(a) to assist the chief executive in deciding whether the person is, or continues to be, an appropriate person to hold a licence;
(b) to assist the chief executive in identifying the person for the purpose mentioned in paragraph (a) .
sec.28
Chief executive must refuse to grant, or renew, licence if fingerprints have not been taken
sec.28 Chief executive must refuse to grant, or renew, licence if fingerprints have not been taken
The chief executive must refuse to grant a licence if the fingerprints of each relevant person for the application for the licence have not been taken by the Commissioner under section 27 .
The chief executive must refuse to renew an unrestricted licence if the fingerprints of each relevant person for the application for the renewal have not been taken by the Commissioner under section 27 .
s 28 prev s 28 om 2009 No. 24 s 780
pres s 28 ins 2010 No. 54 s 64
(sec.28-ssec.1) The chief executive must refuse to grant a licence if the fingerprints of each relevant person for the application for the licence have not been taken by the Commissioner under section 27 .
(sec.28-ssec.2) The chief executive must refuse to renew an unrestricted licence if the fingerprints of each relevant person for the application for the renewal have not been taken by the Commissioner under section 27 .
sec.29
Commissioner to give chief executive information about a person’s identity derived from fingerprints
sec.29 Commissioner to give chief executive information about a person’s identity derived from fingerprints
The Commissioner must give the chief executive information about a person’s identity derived from fingerprints of the person taken under section 27 .
However, the Commissioner must not give information under subsection (1) about a particular person if the Commissioner is reasonably satisfied that giving the information—
may prejudice or otherwise hinder an investigation to which the information may be relevant; or
may affect the safety of a police officer, complainant, informant or other person.
s 29 prev s 29 sub 2007 No. 15 s 27
om 2009 No. 24 s 780
pres s 29 ins 2010 No. 54 s 64
(sec.29-ssec.1) The Commissioner must give the chief executive information about a person’s identity derived from fingerprints of the person taken under section 27 .
(sec.29-ssec.2) However, the Commissioner must not give information under subsection (1) about a particular person if the Commissioner is reasonably satisfied that giving the information— may prejudice or otherwise hinder an investigation to which the information may be relevant; or may affect the safety of a police officer, complainant, informant or other person.
(a) may prejudice or otherwise hinder an investigation to which the information may be relevant; or
(b) may affect the safety of a police officer, complainant, informant or other person.
sec.30
Use of fingerprints by Commissioner
sec.30 Use of fingerprints by Commissioner
The Commissioner may use the fingerprints of a person taken under section 27 only—
to comply with section 29 ; or
for performing a function of the Queensland Police Service.
s 30 prev s 30 om 2009 No. 24 s 780
pres s 30 ins 2010 No. 54 s 64
(a) to comply with section 29 ; or
(b) for performing a function of the Queensland Police Service.
sec.31
Destruction of fingerprints
sec.31 Destruction of fingerprints
This section applies if—
an application is made for a licence or renewal of an unrestricted licence; and
a relevant person’s fingerprints have been taken under section 27 for the application; and
either—
the applicant withdraws the application; or
the chief executive refuses to grant or renew the licence, and the applicant’s review rights under section 26 for the application have been exhausted.
This section also applies if—
either—
a licence is cancelled under section 22 , and the licensee’s review rights under section 26 for the cancellation have been exhausted; or
a licensee does not apply, under section 20 , for the renewal of the licence before the licence ends; and
a relevant person’s fingerprints have been taken under section 27 for an application for the licence or renewal of the licence.
The chief executive must request the Commissioner to destroy the fingerprints.
The Commissioner must comply with the request within a reasonable time.
In complying with the request, the Commissioner must destroy the fingerprints in the presence of a justice.
s 31 prev s 31 om 2009 No. 24 s 780
pres s 31 ins 2010 No. 54 s 64
(sec.31-ssec.1) This section applies if— an application is made for a licence or renewal of an unrestricted licence; and a relevant person’s fingerprints have been taken under section 27 for the application; and either— the applicant withdraws the application; or the chief executive refuses to grant or renew the licence, and the applicant’s review rights under section 26 for the application have been exhausted.
(sec.31-ssec.2) This section also applies if— either— a licence is cancelled under section 22 , and the licensee’s review rights under section 26 for the cancellation have been exhausted; or a licensee does not apply, under section 20 , for the renewal of the licence before the licence ends; and a relevant person’s fingerprints have been taken under section 27 for an application for the licence or renewal of the licence.
(sec.31-ssec.3) The chief executive must request the Commissioner to destroy the fingerprints.
(sec.31-ssec.4) The Commissioner must comply with the request within a reasonable time.
(sec.31-ssec.5) In complying with the request, the Commissioner must destroy the fingerprints in the presence of a justice.
(a) an application is made for a licence or renewal of an unrestricted licence; and
(b) a relevant person’s fingerprints have been taken under section 27 for the application; and
(c) either— (i) the applicant withdraws the application; or (ii) the chief executive refuses to grant or renew the licence, and the applicant’s review rights under section 26 for the application have been exhausted.
(i) the applicant withdraws the application; or
(ii) the chief executive refuses to grant or renew the licence, and the applicant’s review rights under section 26 for the application have been exhausted.
(i) the applicant withdraws the application; or
(ii) the chief executive refuses to grant or renew the licence, and the applicant’s review rights under section 26 for the application have been exhausted.
(a) either— (i) a licence is cancelled under section 22 , and the licensee’s review rights under section 26 for the cancellation have been exhausted; or (ii) a licensee does not apply, under section 20 , for the renewal of the licence before the licence ends; and
(i) a licence is cancelled under section 22 , and the licensee’s review rights under section 26 for the cancellation have been exhausted; or
(ii) a licensee does not apply, under section 20 , for the renewal of the licence before the licence ends; and
(b) a relevant person’s fingerprints have been taken under section 27 for an application for the licence or renewal of the licence.
(i) a licence is cancelled under section 22 , and the licensee’s review rights under section 26 for the cancellation have been exhausted; or
(ii) a licensee does not apply, under section 20 , for the renewal of the licence before the licence ends; and
pt.2A
Temporary permits
Temporary permits
sec.31A
Purpose of temporary permit
sec.31A Purpose of temporary permit
A temporary permit allows the holder of a corresponding authority to carry out in Queensland stated authorised functions for a stated particular event.
In this section—
stated means stated in the temporary permit.
s 31A ins 2007 No. 15 s 28
(sec.31A-ssec.1) A temporary permit allows the holder of a corresponding authority to carry out in Queensland stated authorised functions for a stated particular event.
(sec.31A-ssec.2) In this section— stated means stated in the temporary permit.
sec.31B
Term of temporary permit
sec.31B Term of temporary permit
The term of a temporary permit ends when the first of the following happens—
the event for which it is issued ends;
the term stated in the permit ends.
s 31B ins 2007 No. 15 s 28
(a) the event for which it is issued ends;
(b) the term stated in the permit ends.
sec.31C
Application for temporary permit
sec.31C Application for temporary permit
An application for a temporary permit may be made to the chief executive by—
for a temporary permit for carrying out authorised functions of a security firm—a person or a partnership; or
for another temporary permit—an individual.
The application must be accompanied by—
evidence satisfying the chief executive that the applicant holds a corresponding authority; and
the fee prescribed under a regulation.
The applicant must state in the application—
the event for which the temporary permit is sought; and
the authorised functions intended to be carried out under the temporary permit; and
if authorised functions of a security firm are intended to be carried out—the security firm services intended to be supplied under the temporary permit.
Only an individual may apply for, or be granted, a temporary permit for carrying out authorised functions of any of the following—
a bodyguard;
a crowd controller;
a security officer.
The chief executive, by written notice, may request the applicant to give further information or documents relevant to the application within a stated period of at least 28 days.
The applicant is taken to have withdrawn the application if, within the stated period, the applicant does not comply with a request under subsection (5) without a reasonable excuse.
s 31C ins 2007 No. 15 s 28
(sec.31C-ssec.1) An application for a temporary permit may be made to the chief executive by— for a temporary permit for carrying out authorised functions of a security firm—a person or a partnership; or for another temporary permit—an individual.
(sec.31C-ssec.2) The application must be accompanied by— evidence satisfying the chief executive that the applicant holds a corresponding authority; and the fee prescribed under a regulation.
(sec.31C-ssec.3) The applicant must state in the application— the event for which the temporary permit is sought; and the authorised functions intended to be carried out under the temporary permit; and if authorised functions of a security firm are intended to be carried out—the security firm services intended to be supplied under the temporary permit.
(sec.31C-ssec.4) Only an individual may apply for, or be granted, a temporary permit for carrying out authorised functions of any of the following— a bodyguard; a crowd controller; a security officer.
(sec.31C-ssec.5) The chief executive, by written notice, may request the applicant to give further information or documents relevant to the application within a stated period of at least 28 days.
(sec.31C-ssec.6) The applicant is taken to have withdrawn the application if, within the stated period, the applicant does not comply with a request under subsection (5) without a reasonable excuse.
(a) for a temporary permit for carrying out authorised functions of a security firm—a person or a partnership; or
(b) for another temporary permit—an individual.
(a) evidence satisfying the chief executive that the applicant holds a corresponding authority; and
(b) the fee prescribed under a regulation.
(a) the event for which the temporary permit is sought; and
(b) the authorised functions intended to be carried out under the temporary permit; and
(c) if authorised functions of a security firm are intended to be carried out—the security firm services intended to be supplied under the temporary permit.
(a) a bodyguard;
(b) a crowd controller;
(c) a security officer.
sec.31D
Application of pt 2 to temporary permit
sec.31D Application of pt 2 to temporary permit
The following provisions of part 2 apply to a temporary permit as if the temporary permit were a licence and the holder of the temporary permit were a licensee—
division 2 , other than sections 10 , 11 (2) (b) and (2A) and 14A ;
section 15 , other than section 15 (2) (a) ;
divisions 4 and 5 , other than sections 20 and 25 ;
division 6 .
Despite subsection (1) (c) , sections 21 and 22 apply to a temporary permit only for suspending or cancelling the temporary permit.
s 31D ins 2007 No. 15 s 28
(sec.31D-ssec.1) The following provisions of part 2 apply to a temporary permit as if the temporary permit were a licence and the holder of the temporary permit were a licensee— division 2 , other than sections 10 , 11 (2) (b) and (2A) and 14A ; section 15 , other than section 15 (2) (a) ; divisions 4 and 5 , other than sections 20 and 25 ; division 6 .
(sec.31D-ssec.2) Despite subsection (1) (c) , sections 21 and 22 apply to a temporary permit only for suspending or cancelling the temporary permit.
(a) division 2 , other than sections 10 , 11 (2) (b) and (2A) and 14A ;
(b) section 15 , other than section 15 (2) (a) ;
(c) divisions 4 and 5 , other than sections 20 and 25 ;
(d) division 6 .
sec.31E
What temporary permit must state
sec.31E What temporary permit must state
A temporary permit must state—
the event for which it is issued; and
the authorised functions that may be carried out under the temporary permit; and
if authorised functions of a security firm may be carried out—the security firm services that may be supplied under the temporary permit.
s 31E ins 2007 No. 15 s 28
(a) the event for which it is issued; and
(b) the authorised functions that may be carried out under the temporary permit; and
(c) if authorised functions of a security firm may be carried out—the security firm services that may be supplied under the temporary permit.
sec.31F
Permit holder taken to hold appropriate licence if complying with conditions
sec.31F Permit holder taken to hold appropriate licence if complying with conditions
The holder of a temporary permit is taken to hold an appropriate licence for carrying out the functions of a security provider stated in the temporary permit.
However, subsection (1) does not apply to the holder if the holder does not comply with the conditions of the temporary permit.
If a holder of a temporary permit does not comply with an imposed condition of the temporary permit, because of section 31D , section 15 (4) may apply to the holder if the imposed condition is prescribed under a regulation as mentioned in that subsection.
s 31F ins 2007 No. 15 s 28
(sec.31F-ssec.1) The holder of a temporary permit is taken to hold an appropriate licence for carrying out the functions of a security provider stated in the temporary permit.
(sec.31F-ssec.2) However, subsection (1) does not apply to the holder if the holder does not comply with the conditions of the temporary permit. If a holder of a temporary permit does not comply with an imposed condition of the temporary permit, because of section 31D , section 15 (4) may apply to the holder if the imposed condition is prescribed under a regulation as mentioned in that subsection.
pt.3
sec.32
Section sec.32
s 32 om 2014 No. 8 s 168
sec.33
Section sec.33
s 33 om 2014 No. 8 s 168
sec.34
Section sec.34
s 34 om 2014 No. 8 s 168
sec.35
Section sec.35
s 35 om 2014 No. 8 s 168
sec.36
Section sec.36
s 36 om 2014 No. 8 s 168
sec.37
Section sec.37
s 37 om 2014 No. 8 s 168
sec.38
Section sec.38
s 38 om 2014 No. 8 s 168
sec.39
Section sec.39
s 39 om 2014 No. 8 s 168
sec.40
Section sec.40
s 40 om 2014 No. 8 s 168
sec.41
Section sec.41
s 41 amd 1997 No. 82 s 90
om 2014 No. 8 s 168
sec.42
Section sec.42
s 42 om 2014 No. 8 s 168
sec.43
Section sec.43
s 43 om 2014 No. 8 s 168
sec.45
Section sec.45
s 45 amd 2007 No. 15 s 30
om 2014 No. 8 s 168
sec.46
Section sec.46
s 46 om 2014 No. 8 s 168
pt.4
General
General
sec.47
Identification to be worn by crowd controller
sec.47 Identification to be worn by crowd controller
When acting as a crowd controller, a licensed crowd controller must wear the prescribed identification, so the identification is clearly visible.
Maximum penalty—20 penalty units.
s 47 amd 2007 No. 15 s 31
sec.48
Exchange of information
sec.48 Exchange of information
The chief executive may enter into an arrangement (an information-sharing arrangement ) with a relevant agency for the purposes of sharing or exchanging information—
held by the chief executive or the relevant agency; or
to which the chief executive or the relevant agency has access.
An information-sharing arrangement may relate only to information that assists—
the chief executive perform the chief executive’s functions under this Act; or
the relevant agency perform its functions.
Under an information-sharing arrangement, the chief executive and the relevant agency are, despite another Act or law, authorised to—
ask for and receive information held by the other party to the arrangement or to which the other party has access; and
disclose information to the other party.
The chief executive may use criminal intelligence, given to the chief executive by the Commissioner under an information-sharing arrangement, only for monitoring compliance with this Act.
In this section—
information does not include information given to the chief executive or a relevant agency, or to which the chief executive or relevant agency has access, under the Crime and Corruption Act 2001 .
relevant agency means the following—
the Commissioner;
the chief executive of a department;
a local government;
a person prescribed by regulation.
s 48 amd 2006 No. 10 s 89 sch 2 ; 2014 No. 8 s 170
sub 2016 No. 62 s 391
(sec.48-ssec.1) The chief executive may enter into an arrangement (an information-sharing arrangement ) with a relevant agency for the purposes of sharing or exchanging information— held by the chief executive or the relevant agency; or to which the chief executive or the relevant agency has access.
(sec.48-ssec.2) An information-sharing arrangement may relate only to information that assists— the chief executive perform the chief executive’s functions under this Act; or the relevant agency perform its functions.
(sec.48-ssec.3) Under an information-sharing arrangement, the chief executive and the relevant agency are, despite another Act or law, authorised to— ask for and receive information held by the other party to the arrangement or to which the other party has access; and disclose information to the other party.
(sec.48-ssec.4) The chief executive may use criminal intelligence, given to the chief executive by the Commissioner under an information-sharing arrangement, only for monitoring compliance with this Act.
(sec.48-ssec.5) In this section— information does not include information given to the chief executive or a relevant agency, or to which the chief executive or relevant agency has access, under the Crime and Corruption Act 2001 . relevant agency means the following— the Commissioner; the chief executive of a department; a local government; a person prescribed by regulation.
(a) held by the chief executive or the relevant agency; or
(b) to which the chief executive or the relevant agency has access.
(a) the chief executive perform the chief executive’s functions under this Act; or
(b) the relevant agency perform its functions.
(a) ask for and receive information held by the other party to the arrangement or to which the other party has access; and
(b) disclose information to the other party.
(a) the Commissioner;
(b) the chief executive of a department;
(c) a local government;
(d) a person prescribed by regulation.
sec.48A
Confidentiality
sec.48A Confidentiality
This section applies if a person gains confidential information through involvement in the administration of this Act.
The person must not make a record of the information or disclose the information to another person, other than under subsection (4) .
Maximum penalty—35 penalty units.
Without limiting subsection (1) , a person gains confidential information through involvement in the administration of this Act if the person gains the information because of being, or an opportunity given by being—
the chief executive; or
a public service employee employed in the department; or
a person engaged by the chief executive for this Act.
A person may make a record of confidential information or disclose it to another person—
for this Act; or
to discharge a function under another law; or
for a proceeding in a court or QCAT; or
if authorised by a court or QCAT in the interests of justice; or
if required or permitted by law; or
for information other than criminal intelligence—if the person is authorised in writing by the person to whom the information relates.
In this section—
confidential information —
includes information about a person’s affairs; but
does not include statistical or other information that could not reasonably be expected to result in the identification of the person to whom the information relates.
s 48A ins 2016 No. 62 s 391
(sec.48A-ssec.1) This section applies if a person gains confidential information through involvement in the administration of this Act.
(sec.48A-ssec.2) The person must not make a record of the information or disclose the information to another person, other than under subsection (4) . Maximum penalty—35 penalty units.
(sec.48A-ssec.3) Without limiting subsection (1) , a person gains confidential information through involvement in the administration of this Act if the person gains the information because of being, or an opportunity given by being— the chief executive; or a public service employee employed in the department; or a person engaged by the chief executive for this Act.
(sec.48A-ssec.4) A person may make a record of confidential information or disclose it to another person— for this Act; or to discharge a function under another law; or for a proceeding in a court or QCAT; or if authorised by a court or QCAT in the interests of justice; or if required or permitted by law; or for information other than criminal intelligence—if the person is authorised in writing by the person to whom the information relates.
(sec.48A-ssec.5) In this section— confidential information — includes information about a person’s affairs; but does not include statistical or other information that could not reasonably be expected to result in the identification of the person to whom the information relates.
(a) the chief executive; or
(b) a public service employee employed in the department; or
(c) a person engaged by the chief executive for this Act.
(a) for this Act; or
(b) to discharge a function under another law; or
(c) for a proceeding in a court or QCAT; or
(d) if authorised by a court or QCAT in the interests of justice; or
(e) if required or permitted by law; or
(f) for information other than criminal intelligence—if the person is authorised in writing by the person to whom the information relates.
(a) includes information about a person’s affairs; but
(b) does not include statistical or other information that could not reasonably be expected to result in the identification of the person to whom the information relates.
sec.49
Protection from liability
sec.49 Protection from liability
An official does not incur civil liability for an act or omission done honestly and without negligence under this Act.
A liability that would, apart from this section, attach to an official attaches instead to the State.
In this section—
official means—
the chief executive; or
a public service employee.
s 49 amd 2006 No. 10 s 89 sch 2
sub 2014 No. 8 s 171
(sec.49-ssec.1) An official does not incur civil liability for an act or omission done honestly and without negligence under this Act.
(sec.49-ssec.2) A liability that would, apart from this section, attach to an official attaches instead to the State.
(sec.49-ssec.3) In this section— official means— the chief executive; or a public service employee.
(a) the chief executive; or
(b) a public service employee.
More sections below
Source text: opening excerpt
Sourced from Queensland Legislation (legislation.qld.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.
pt.1 Preliminary
Preliminary
sec.1 Short title
sec.1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the Security Providers Act 1993 .
sec.2 Commencement
sec.2 Commencement
This Act commences on a day to be fixed by proclamation.
sec.2A Relationship with Fair Trading Inspectors Act 2014
sec.2A Relationship with Fair Trading Inspectors Act 2014
The Fair Trading Inspectors Act 2014 (the FTI Act ) enacts common provisions for this Act and particular other Acts about fair trading.
Unless this Act otherwise provides in relation to the FTI Act , the powers that an inspector has under that Act are in addition to and do not limit any powers the inspector may have under this Act.
In this section—
inspector means a person who holds office under the FTI Act as an inspector for this Act.
s 2A ins 2014 No. 8 s 166
(sec.2A-ssec.1) The Fair Trading Inspectors Act 2014 (the FTI Act ) enacts common provisions for this Act and particular other Acts about fair trading.
(sec.2A-ssec.2) Unless this Act otherwise provides in relation to the FTI Act , the powers that an inspector has under that Act are in addition to and do not limit any powers the inspector may have under this Act.
(sec.2A-ssec.3) In this section— inspector means a person who holds office under the FTI Act as an inspector for this Act.
sec.3 Definitions
sec.3 Definitions
The dictionary in schedule 2 defines particular words used in this Act.
s 3 Note—prev s 3 contained definitions for this Act. Definitions are now located in schedule 2 (Dictionary). Annotations for definitions contained in prev s 3 are located in annotations for sch 2.
pres s 3 amd 2007 No. 15 s 4 (4)
sec.4 Who is a security provider
sec.4 Who is a security provider
A security provider is any of the following—
a bodyguard;
a crowd controller;
a private investigator;
a security adviser;
a security equipment installer;
a security officer;
a security firm.
A person employed by a security provider is not a security provider if the person’s duties are only secretarial or clerical.
Each of the following persons is not a security provider in carrying out the functions of the person’s employment—
a police officer or a member of the police service of the Commonwealth or a State;
a member of the Defence Force;
an officer or employee of the Commonwealth or a State;
a Minister of the Commonwealth or a State;
a department of the Commonwealth or a State;
an officer of or employee in the parliamentary service established under the Parliamentary Service Act 1988 ;
a casino employee or casino key employee within the meaning of the Casino Control Act 1982 .
Also, an authorised person under the Transport Operations (Passenger Transport) Act 1994 is not a security provider in performing a function or exercising a power under that Act.
s 4 amd 2007 No. 15 s 5 ; 2008 No. 67 s 237
(sec.4-ssec.1) A security provider is any of the following— a bodyguard; a crowd controller; a private investigator; a security adviser; a security equipment installer; a security officer; a security firm.
(sec.4-ssec.2) A person employed by a security provider is not a security provider if the person’s duties are only secretarial or clerical.
(sec.4-ssec.3) Each of the following persons is not a security provider in carrying out the functions of the person’s employment— a police officer or a member of the police service of the Commonwealth or a State; a member of the Defence Force; an officer or employee of the Commonwealth or a State; a Minister of the Commonwealth or a State; a department of the Commonwealth or a State; an officer of or employee in the parliamentary service established under the Parliamentary Service Act 1988 ; a casino employee or casino key employee within the meaning of the Casino Control Act 1982 .
(sec.4-ssec.4) Also, an authorised person under the Transport Operations (Passenger Transport) Act 1994 is not a security provider in performing a function or exercising a power under that Act.
Requires the chief executive to grant or refuse licences (s 14), to impose statutory conditions (restricted/unrestricted distinctions and training requirements) (s 14B), and to impose other conditions (s 15). Terms for licences are set out (s 16). There is a process to amend licences on application or on the chief executive’s initiative with a show cause step (ss 17-19).
Establishes grounds and procedures for suspension, cancellation, or refusal to renew, including automatic cancellation where a licence holder or person required to be “appropriate” is convicted of a disqualifying offence or becomes subject to a relevant control order (ss 21-24). There are required notifications and return-of-licence rules (ss 21A, 23, 24).
Provides appeal and review rights to QCAT for a range of chief executive decisions (s 26).
Creates a fingerprint regime: chief executive asks Commissioner to take fingerprints for identity and suitability checks (ss 27-31); refusal to have fingerprints taken means refusal to grant or renew (s 28); the Commissioner supplies identity information derived from fingerprints but may withhold information to avoid prejudicing investigations or safety (s 29); fingerprints are destroyed in defined circumstances (s 31).
Enables temporary permits for holders of corresponding authorities to operate for specified events and durations (ss 31A-31F). Part 2 largely applies to temporary permits as if they were licences, with specified exceptions (s 31D).
Authorises information‑sharing arrangements with the Commissioner, departments, local government or prescribed persons to assist the chief executive and relevant agencies, and limits use of criminal intelligence to monitoring compliance (s 48). It also makes confidential information obtained in administering the Act subject to a non‑disclosure obligation with limited exceptions (s 48A).
Contains protections from personal civil liability for officials acting honestly and without negligence (s 49), offences for false or misleading documents (s 49A), evidentiary certificates from the chief executive for proceedings (s 51), delegation of chief executive powers (s 52), and a regulatory head of power to make detailed rules, fees and codes of practice (s 54).
The Act operates primarily through administrative decision‑making by the chief executive, supported by police identity and criminal history processes, and by regulatory instruments (fees, codes, exceptions) made under s 54. The fingerprint and criminal history procedures are binding: the chief executive must refuse to grant or renew if all relevant persons' fingerprints have not been taken (s 28). Licence conditions and the power to suspend or cancel licences are framed to be enforceable acts by the chief executive, and many decisions are subject to QCAT review (s 26).
Main concepts
The Act structures the security industry regulatory regime around a small number of core legal concepts and decision points. Each concept is defined and used consistently throughout the licensing, compliance and enforcement machinery.
Security provider types and exclusions
“Security provider” is defined inclusively to capture distinct occupational roles (bodyguard, crowd controller, private investigator, security adviser, security equipment installer, security officer, security firm) (s 4). The Act then provides role‑specific definitions (ss 4A-7) that specify the activities that trigger the licensing requirement. Certain public and statutory roles are excluded from that definition when performing their official functions (s 4(3)-(4)).
Licences and temporary permits
Licence requirement: carrying out the functions of a security provider, or holding out to do so, requires an “appropriate” licence (s 9). The prohibition extends to engaging another person to carry out security provider functions for reward (s 9(2)). The Act differentiates restricted licences (short term, supervised) from unrestricted licences (longer term, training and competency standards) (s 14B; s 16).
Temporary permits allow holders of corresponding authorities (from outside Queensland) to carry out specified authorised functions for a stated event (s 31A-31B). Part 2 applies to temporary permits largely as if they were licences (s 31D).
Suitability and “appropriate person”
Licence entitlement depends on suitability criteria expressed as statutory thresholds: minimum age and completed approved training (for class 1 licences) or trainee status for class 2 (s 11(2)); membership of an approved security industry association for security firm licences (s 10(3B), s 13(3)); and a test that the applicant is “an appropriate person” (s 11(2)(d); s 13(3)). The chief executive’s consideration of appropriation is limited to matters in ss 11(4) and (5) and excludes consideration of criminal intelligence provided by the Commissioner (s 11(3)).
Information gathering, identity and criminal history
The chief executive may make inquiries and request criminal history information from the Commissioner to assess appropriateness (s 12). The chief executive may require applicants or licensees to pay the reasonable costs of obtaining such reports (s 12AA). A fingerprint regime is provided: applicants must be agreeable to fingerprints being taken, the Commissioner takes fingerprints at the chief executive’s request (s 27), and the Commissioner provides identity information derived from fingerprints (s 29). The chief executive must refuse to grant or renew if fingerprints of each relevant person have not been taken (s 28). Fingerprints and criminal history information are subject to limits on use, retention and destruction (s 12B; s 31).
Statutory and imposed licence conditions
Statutory conditions are attached to restricted and unrestricted licences (s 14B). Restricted licences limit the scope of functions and require direct supervision (s 14B(1)); unrestricted licences can be required to complete approved training on renewal or during the term if the chief executive is satisfied it is required for public safety or competency (s 14B(2)-(3)). The chief executive may impose other conditions on grant (s 15). Licence holders must comply with statutory and imposed conditions, and contravention is actionable (s 14B(4); s 15(3)-(4)).
Compliance, suspension, cancellation, and automatic cancellation
Grounds for suspension, cancellation or refusal to renew include materially incorrect information on application, contravention of the Act or licence conditions, particular workplace offences, failure to be a member of an approved industry association, or no longer being an appropriate person (s 21). The chief executive must follow show cause procedures before taking action (s 22). There is automatic cancellation where a licensee or required appropriate person is convicted of a disqualifying offence for which a conviction is recorded or becomes subject to a relevant control order (s 24).
Information sharing and confidentiality
The chief executive may enter information‑sharing arrangements with specified relevant agencies including the Commissioner and departments, and such arrangements authorise asking for, receiving and disclosing information notwithstanding another Act (s 48). Use of criminal intelligence given by the Commissioner is limited to monitoring compliance (s 48(4)). Persons involved in administering the Act gain confidential information that they must not record or disclose except in prescribed circumstances (s 48A).
Regulation and administrative framework
The Governor in Council may make regulations to set fees, prescribe codes of practice, provide exemptions from licensing for specified activities or events, set offences and penalties up to 20 penalty units for regulatory contraventions, and provide for the detail of licensed corporations and partnerships (s 54). The chief executive may delegate powers, approve forms, and certify evidence (ss 51, 52, 53).
Dispute and review pathway
Applicants and licensees have review rights to QCAT for a defined set of decisions by the chief executive (s 26). The Act sets out evidence rules and allows the chief executive to certify certain facts for proceedings (s 51).
The Act balances administrative controls (licensing, conditions, show cause) with investigatory supports (fingerprints, criminal history reports) and operational flexibility (temporary permits, regulatory exemptions). The principal decision‑maker is the chief executive, supported by police identity and criminal history services and by the regulatory instruments made under s 54.
Who it affects
This Act affects three principal groups, with distinct roles and obligations set out in the text.
Security providers and applicants
Individuals who perform or hold themselves out as performing security functions for reward are captured and must hold the correct licence (s 4; s 9). The coverage is role‑based: bodyguards (close personal protection for reward) (s 4A), crowd controllers (for reward, at public places principally to keep order) (s 5), private investigators (for reward obtaining or giving private information or surveillance without consent, or investigating a missing person) (s 6), security advisers (for reward giving security advice) (s 6A), security equipment installers (for reward installing, repairing or maintaining security equipment) (s 6B), and security officers (for reward guarding or monitoring property) (s 7). Security firms that supply services for reward are also within scope (s 8). Exclusions include police, Defence members, certain public servants, casino employees and authorised transport officers when acting in their official capacities (s 4(3)-(4)).
Employers and security firms
Persons and partnerships that engage security providers for reward must ensure persons engaged hold the appropriate licence (s 9(2)). Security firm licences require evidence of current membership of an approved security industry association (s 10(3B); s 13(3)). The chief executive may impose conditions on security firm licences that require the licensee to monitor whether its employees are complying with the Act (s 15(2)). Regulatory provisions may impose further duties on corporations and partnerships (s 54(2)(f)).
Regulators and agencies
The chief executive is central to licensing decisions, condition imposition, amendments, suspensions, cancellations and reviews (ss 10, 14-19, 21-23). The Commissioner (police) is tasked with taking fingerprints at the chief executive’s request, providing criminal history reports and providing identity information derived from fingerprints (ss 27-31). Relevant agencies (the Commissioner, department chief executives, local government and prescribed persons) may be party to information‑sharing arrangements with the chief executive (s 48).
Persons affected by information exchange and confidentiality rules
Applicants and licensees are subject to criminal history checks and the requirement to cooperate with fingerprinting (s 27-29). The chief executive may require payment of the reasonable costs of obtaining criminal history reports (s 12AA). Persons involved in administering the Act (chief executive, public service employees, persons engaged by the chief executive) gain access to confidential information and are prohibited from recording or disclosing it except in specific permitted circumstances (s 48A). The Commissioner is constrained in disclosure where disclosure may prejudice investigations or safety (s 29(2)).
Third parties and the public
Members of the public who encounter licensed crowd controllers have the right to inspect a licensee’s licence where the licensee is not wearing prescribed identification (s 25A). Approved security industry associations must report membership terminations monthly to the chief executive (s 21A), affecting associations and their members. The Act also interacts with courts and QCAT for review and enforcement procedures (s 26; s 51).
Who pays and who decides
The Act makes applicants and licensees pay fees and, when required, criminal history report costs and fingerprinting fees where prescribed (s 10(2); s 12AA(1); s 10(9)). The chief executive makes eligibility and suitability decisions, imposes conditions, and may enter information‑sharing arrangements (ss 10, 11, 14, 15, 48). The Commissioner decides whether to release identity information derived from fingerprints but must comply with chief executive requests to take fingerprints (ss 27, 29).
Behavioural consequences and compliance requirements
Those intending to operate in the industry must obtain appropriate licences, maintain industry association membership where required, complete approved training for certain licence classes (s 11(2)(b); s 14B), comply with licence conditions (ss 14B(4), 15(3)), and submit to identity and criminal history checks (ss 12, 27-31). Security firms may face monitoring obligations (s 15(2)). Failure to comply triggers administrative action (s 21-24) and criminal penalties for unlicensed practice or false documentation (ss 9, 49A).
Concentrated decision power
The chief executive has concentrated administrative discretion over suitability, conditions and enforcement (ss 11(3), 14-15, 22). Review rights exist, but the initial decision space for licensing and conditions is administratively centred.
Overall, the Act affects individual workers in the security profession, the companies that employ them, industry associations, the police service in performing fingerprint and criminal history functions, and administrative actors in the department who must run the licensing system and manage information.
Key duties and rights
The Act sets out specific duties for applicants, licensees, security firms and government agencies and confers review rights and protections. The following are principal statutory duties and rights, referenced to the Act.
Duties on applicants and licensees
Licensing: No person may carry out the functions of a security provider or hold themselves out to do so without the appropriate licence (s 9(1)). A person must not engage another to carry out security provider functions for reward unless that other person holds the appropriate licence (s 9(2)).
Application formality and fees: Applications must be in the approved form and accompanied by any prescribed fee. Where the chief executive requires payment of costs for criminal history reports under s 12AA, the application must include the amount required (s 10(2)-(2A)).
Information and cooperation: Applicants must state the term of licence and the relevant types or categories of functions sought, and must agree to fingerprinting where their fingerprints are required before the chief executive will consider the application (s 10(3), (8)). The chief executive may request further information or documents, with at least 28 days to comply (s 10(5)). Failure to comply without reasonable excuse is treated as withdrawal (s 10(6)). Applicants must pay reasonable actual costs for criminal history reports when required (s 12AA(1)).
Training and association membership: Individual applicants for class 1 licences (other than security firm licence or restricted licence) must have completed approved training for each type of security provider sought, unless previously holding a licence within the prior year (s 11(2)(b); s 11(2A)). Security firm applicants must be current members of an approved security industry association (s 10(3B); s 13(3)(c)). Unrestricted licence holders may be required in writing by the chief executive to complete relevant approved training on renewal or at intervals during the licence term (s 14B(2)-(3)).
Compliance with licence conditions: Licensees must comply with statutory conditions (s 14B(4)) and imposed conditions (s 15(3)). Contravention of an imposed condition prescribed by regulation is an offence with a maximum penalty (s 15(4)). Failure to wear prescribed identification while acting as a crowd controller is an offence (s 47). If not wearing prescribed identification, the licensee must produce the licence for inspection on request (s 25A).
Duties on security firms and industry associations
Monitoring by firms: The chief executive may impose conditions on security firm licences requiring the licensee to monitor, at stated intervals, the compliance of its employees with the Act (s 15(2)).
Reporting by associations: Approved security industry associations must, within 14 days after the end of each month, give the chief executive written notice of each person whose membership ended during the month and the date it ended (s 21A).
Duties on the Commissioner and agencies
Fingerprint and identity duties: The Commissioner must take fingerprints at the chief executive’s request where a person is agreeable, must comply with the request (s 27(2)-(3)), must provide identity information to the chief executive derived from those fingerprints (s 29(1)) subject to withholding where disclosure may prejudice investigations or safety (s 29(2)). The Commissioner may use the fingerprints only to comply with s 29 or for police functions (s 30).
Information sharing: The chief executive may enter information‑sharing arrangements with relevant agencies, authorising asking for and receiving information despite another Act (s 48). Criminal intelligence given under such an arrangement may be used only for monitoring compliance (s 48(4)).
Rights of applicants and licensees
Entitlement where criteria met: If an individual satisfies the statutory entitlement criteria (age, training or trainee status for class 2, approved association membership for security firms, and is an appropriate person), the person is entitled to a licence (s 11(2); s 13(3)).
Procedural fairness and show cause: The chief executive must provide written show cause notice and at least 28 days for representations before amending (s 18(2)) or before suspending, cancelling or refusing to renew a licence (s 22(1)). The chief executive must give QCAT information notices for many decisions (ss 14(3)-(5); s 18(4); s 22(4)).
Review rights: Applicants and licensees may apply to QCAT for review of specified chief executive decisions (s 26). The application process is as provided under the QCAT Act (s 26(3)).
Destruction and confidentiality of information: The chief executive must destroy information obtained under s 12 or 12A as soon as practicable after it is no longer needed for the purpose requested (s 12B(7)). Persons obtaining confidential information through administering the Act must not record or disclose it except in limited circumstances (s 48A).
Enforcement and anti‑fraud
False documents: It is an offence to give the chief executive a document containing information known to be false or misleading in a material particular, subject to a saving where the person discloses the extent of the falsity and provides correct information where available (s 49A).
Administrative protections and delegations
Protection for officials: Officials acting honestly and without negligence in administering the Act do not incur personal civil liability; such liability attaches to the State (s 49).
Delegation and forms: The chief executive may delegate powers to appropriately qualified public service employees (s 52) and must make approved forms available on request (s 53).
Rights and duties are framed to place the chief executive at the centre of licensing and enforcement; applicants and licensees are required to provide identity and criminal history cooperation, adhere to training and association membership requirements where applicable, and comply with conditions and inspection obligations.
Penalties and enforcement
The Act sets a schedule of offences, maximum penalties and administrative measures intended to enforce the licensing regime and to deter unlicensed or dishonest behaviour. Enforcement proceeds by criminal penalties for specified offences, show cause and administrative cancellation or suspension, and regulatory offences created by regulation.
Criminal offences and maximum penalties
Unlicensed practice and engagement: Carrying out security provider functions, or holding out, without the appropriate licence, and engaging another to do so without that person holding the appropriate licence, are offences. The Act prescribes escalating maximum penalties: first offence 500 penalty units, second offence 700 penalty units or 6 months imprisonment, third or later offence 1,000 penalty units or 18 months imprisonment (s 9(1)-(2)). The Act also states that a person without the appropriate licence is not entitled to any reward for carrying out security provider functions, irrespective of any arrangement to the contrary (s 9(3)-(4)).
Contravening imposed or statutory conditions: Contravention of an imposed condition prescribed under regulation for s 15 is an offence with maximum penalty 40 penalty units (s 15(4)). Contravening the statutory conditions of a licence is actionable by reference to s 21(1)(b) (s 14B(4)).
Identification and production offences: Failure to wear prescribed identification when acting as a crowd controller attracts a maximum penalty of 20 penalty units (s 47). Failing to produce a licence for inspection when not wearing prescribed identification is an offence with a maximum penalty of 20 penalty units (s 25A).
Return of licence obligations: A person whose licence has been cancelled must return it within 14 days, failing which there is a maximum penalty of 20 penalty units (s 24(2)). Similarly, a licensee required to return a suspended or cancelled licence under a chief executive’s notice must comply or face a maximum penalty of 20 penalty units (s 23(2)). A licensee who fails to return the licence in response to a s 19 notice to enable recording of amendments faces up to 20 penalty units (s 19(3)).
False or misleading documents: It is an offence to give the chief executive a document knowing it to be false or misleading in a material particular (s 49A(1)). The maximum penalty is 60 penalty units. The section provides a defence where the person corrects the error and informs the chief executive of the extent of falsity (s 49A(2)).
Administrative enforcement and remedial powers
Suspension, cancellation, refusal to renew: The chief executive may suspend, cancel or refuse to renew a licence where reasonable grounds exist (s 22). Grounds include obtaining the licence by materially incorrect information, contravening the Act or licence conditions, certain workplace offences, failure to be a member of an approved association, or no longer being an appropriate person (s 21). The Act prescribes a show cause process (s 22(1)) with at least 28 days to make representations, and the chief executive must issue QCAT information notices for cancellations, suspensions and refusals to renew (s 22(4)-(5)). Suspension can be for a specified period not longer than proposed (s 22(2)(a)).
Automatic cancellation: A licence is automatically cancelled where the licensee or another required appropriate person is convicted of a disqualifying offence for which a conviction is recorded or becomes subject to a relevant control order (s 24(1)). The licensee must return the licence within 14 days (s 24(2)).
Show cause and amendments: The chief executive may amend licences on the chief executive’s initiative after providing a show cause notice and at least 28 days for representations (s 18). The chief executive may also require licences to be returned for recording amendments (s 19).
Refusal to grant or renew when fingerprinting not completed: The chief executive must refuse to grant (s 28(1)) or renew (s 28(2)) where fingerprints of each relevant person have not been taken by the Commissioner under s 27.
Information control and evidentiary measures
Use and destruction of sensitive information: Information from ss 12 and 12A may be used only for making decisions about whether a person is appropriate to hold a licence (s 12B(2)-(3)), and the chief executive must destroy information obtained under ss 12 or 12A as soon as practicable after it is no longer needed (s 12B(7)). The Act excludes certain records from the Public Records Act 2023 (s 12B(8)).
Evidence certificates: The chief executive may sign certificates that are admissible evidence of matters such as whether a person was or was not a licensee on a stated day (s 51).
Information sharing: The chief executive may enter information‑sharing arrangements allowing disclosure despite another Act (s 48). Use of criminal intelligence is limited to monitoring compliance (s 48(4)).
Regulatory offences and codes
Regulation‑made offences: The Governor in Council may make regulations prescribing offences for contraventions of a regulation, with a maximum penalty of not more than 20 penalty units (s 54(2)(d)). Regulations may also prescribe codes of practice, contravention of which is identified as a ground for suspension or cancellation (s 21(1)(b) and s 54(3)).
Enforcement process and review
Procedural protections: Before significant adverse administrative action the chief executive must give written notice outlining reasons and evidence and allow at least 28 days to show cause (ss 18(2); 22(1)). Many decisions must be accompanied by a QCAT information notice (ss 14(3)-(5); 18(4); 22(4)).
Right of review: Applicants and licensees may apply to QCAT for review of specified decisions (s 26). Where particular proceedings were started under earlier provisions but not finally decided, transitional provisions require decision under later amendments (pt 9-10 transitional).
In short, enforcement is a combination of criminal sanctions for unlicensed practice and false documents, administrative remedial powers for licence conditions and cancellations (with show cause and QCAT review), and regulatory offences enacted by regulation. The fingerprinting and criminal history mechanisms are directly tied to licensing outcomes: failure to complete fingerprinting or adverse criminal history can be decisive.
How it interacts with other laws
The Act both references and defers to other statutory instruments and arrangements, and includes express limits on what material may be considered in licensing decisions. The following interactions and cross‑references are present in the text supplied.
Police and criminal history
The Commissioner (police) is the entity that takes fingerprints and provides criminal history or identity information at the chief executive’s request (ss 27-31). The chief executive may ask the Commissioner for a report about a person’s criminal history and brief descriptions of offences to assist in licensing decisions (s 12). The Act limits the chief executive’s use of criminal intelligence supplied by the Commissioner: the chief executive may not have regard to criminal intelligence given by the Commissioner under s 48 when deciding whether a person is appropriate to hold a licence (s 11(3)); and criminal intelligence given to the chief executive by the Commissioner under an information‑sharing arrangement may be used only for monitoring compliance with the Act (s 48(4)). The Commissioner may withhold identity information derived from fingerprints where disclosure could prejudice an investigation or affect safety (s 29(2)).
Interaction with judicial processes and bail
The charging of a licensee or relevant person with a disqualifying offence is a ground for suspending or refusing to renew until the proceeding ends (s 21(5)). The Act expressly recognises that a court imposing bail conditions can include a bail condition preventing a licensee acting as a security provider (s 21(6)). QCAT and the Supreme Court are the venues for judicial and tribunal review of chief executive decisions (s 26 and transitional provisions).
Industrial/workplace laws
Grounds for suspension or cancellation include convictions or contraventions under industrial or workplace legislation: for individuals or partnerships a conviction under the Industrial Relations Act 2016, s 928 (underpayment of wages) or contravention of industrial commission or Industrial Magistrates Court orders to pay wages; for corporations a conviction under the Workplace Relations Act 1996 (Cwlth), s 719 or contravention of eligible court orders under that Act (s 21(1)(d)-(e)). The text contains an editor’s note referencing Acts Interpretation Act 1954 and the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cwlth) as interpretive context for the Workplace Relations Act reference (s 21 note). The Act therefore imports aspects of federal workplace law into fit for the purposes of grounds for licence action.
Records, public records, and confidentiality
The chief executive must destroy information obtained under ss 12 or 12A when no longer needed and such information is not subject to the Public Records Act 2023 (s 12B(7)-(8)). Information given under the Crime and Corruption Act 2001 is excluded from the definition of “information” for information‑sharing arrangements (s 48(5)). Persons involved in administering the Act must not record or disclose confidential information except in prescribed circumstances; the Act lists permitted disclosures that cross‑reference other laws, proceedings or written authorisation by the person to whom the information relates (s 48A(4)).
Transitional interaction with amendment Acts
The Act contains numerous transitional provisions that specify how earlier or later amending Acts affect outstanding applications or existing licences. The Act references the Security Providers Amendment Act 2007, the Fair Trading Inspectors Act 2014, the Fair Trading (Australian Consumer Law) Amendment Act 2010, the Weapons Amendment Act 2011, the Criminal Law (Criminal Organisations Disruption) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2013, and the Serious and Organised Crime Legislation Amendment Act 2016 in transitional parts (pts 5-10). Those transitional provisions instruct how pending applications, show cause processes and the meaning of disqualifying offences are to be treated where amendments commenced (for example, ss 60-63, 65-66, 67, 68-71).
Delegation and forms
Administrative interactions: the chief executive may delegate powers to appropriately qualified public service employees (s 52) and may approve forms for use under the Act (s 53).
Regulatory interactions
The Governor in Council may make regulations that provide exemptions from licensing for specified activities, events or places despite s 9, and may authorise the chief executive to approve that a crowd controller or security officer need not hold the appropriate licence for a specified activity, event or place (s 54(2)(a)-(b)). Regulations may also prescribe codes of practice (s 54(3)), and contravention of codes is a ground for administrative action (s 21(1)(b)).
Limitations and exclusions
The Act excludes certain material from consideration (criminal intelligence from the Commissioner in considering appropriateness: s 11(3); s 13(3A) similarly). Information under the Crime and Corruption Act 2001 is excluded from information sharing definitions (s 48(5)).
In sum, the Act sits in a network of interaction points with police functions, workplace and industrial law, records law, and later amending Acts. It relies on existing criminal justice infrastructure (fingerprint and criminal history systems) while placing procedural limits on what the chief executive may consider and how sensitive information is to be used and destroyed.
Amendment history
The text contains multiple in‑line annotations flagging insertions and amendments and transitional provisions that record the legislative layering. The Act as supplied records explicit amendment activity; the following is a source‑grounded summary drawn from those annotations.
Major amending instruments and insertions cited in the text
Security Providers Amendment Act 2007: multiple sections were inserted or amended by this Act. The text annotates many provisions as inserted or amended by 2007 No. 15 (for example, the relocation of definitions to schedule 2 is noted at s 3; ss 4A, 5, 6A, 6B, 7, 14B, 15, 16, and the transitional pt 5 are noted as ins 2007 No. 15).
Security Providers Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No. 69): amendments noted, for example s 9 amended 2007 No. 15 s 12 and s 64 declares the 2008 amending provision had effect to omit and insert s 29 (s 64 ins 2008 No. 69 s 93). Other 2008 amendments include s 14B sub 2008 No. 26 s 17 and other modifications.
Other amending statutes and annotation references include:
2003 No. 94 (amendments to s 10, s 14 and other procedural matters)
2009 No. 2 and 2009 No. 24 (various amendments such as s 14, s 19, s 25)
2010 No. 54 , transitional provisions related to Fair Trading (Australian Consumer Law) Amendment Act 2010 are in pt 7 (ss 65-66); s 27 is noted "pres s 27 ins 2010 No. 54 s 64"
2011 No. 37 , pt 8 transitional provision for the Weapons Amendment Act 2011 (s 67)
2013 No. 62 and 2013 No. 64 , amendments and transitional provisions relating to criminal organisations disruption are recorded (e.g. s 68 ins 2013 No. 64 s 181)
2014 No. 8 , insertion of s 2A that sets out relationship with the Fair Trading Inspectors Act 2014 (s 2A ins 2014 No. 8 s 166) and multiple omissions (many sections omitted in 2014 No. 8 s 168)
2016 No. 62 , Serious and Organised Crime Legislation Amendment Act 2016 transitional provisions and other amendments (e.g. s 11 amended 2016 No. 62 s 378)
2022 No. 34 , amendments reflected in s 6 references to the Public Sector Act 2022 definitions
Transitional provisions
The Act includes extensive transitional parts dealing with the 2007 amendments (pt 5), the Australian Consumer Law amendments (pt 7), the Weapons Amendment Act 2011 (pt 8), the Criminal Organisations Disruption amendments (pt 9), and the Serious and Organised Crime amendments (pt 10). These provisionally instruct how pending applications, licences and proceedings are to be treated when amendments commence (for example, ss 60-63, 65-66, 67, 68-71).
Notable insertions and procedural changes
The fingerprinting and Commissioner interaction text underwent re‑insertion and relocation in 2008-2010 annotations, culminating in the present ss 27-31 which govern fingerprinting, information provision and destruction (see ss 27-31 with annotations “pres s 27 ins 2010 No. 54 s 64” etc).
The Act’s definitions were moved to schedule 2 (s 3 note).
The chief executive’s information‑sharing powers (s 48) were amended in 2006 No. 10 s 89 sch 2 and later in 2014 No. 8 s 170 and 2016 annotations.
Confidentiality of information (s 48A) was inserted in 2016 No. 62 s 391.
How to read the annotations
The in‑text annotations specify the amending instrument and section numbers that effected the change, using the format “ins” or “amd” followed by the amending Act number and section. Transitional provisions explicitly state how applications and proceedings pending at the time of amendment are to be handled.
Limits of the supplied source
The supplied text includes explicit amendment annotations and transitional parts that identify the amending Acts and some dates implicitly, but it does not provide the full commencement dates or the complete amending Acts in full. The above summary restricts itself to the amending instruments and section references that are present in the supplied text.
Taken together, the Act as supplied has been amended multiple times since its original enactment, with significant restructuring of licensing definitions, the introduction and refinement of the fingerprint‑based identity and criminal history procedures, and the addition of confidentiality and information sharing provisions linked to later legislative initiatives addressing organised and serious crime.
Litigation history
The text supplied contains no judicial decisions, cases, or litigation outcomes. The Act sets up internal review and external review mechanics but does not list or summarise any cases.
What the Act itself establishes for dispute resolution and judicial oversight
QCAT review rights: Applicants and licensees may apply to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal for review of chief executive decisions specified in s 26. The procedure for applying is governed by the QCAT Act (s 26(3)).
Judicial review and proceedings: The Act’s transitional provisions address proceedings that were underway at the time of amendments and require certain matters to be re‑decided by the chief executive under the amended Act (see transitional provisions in pts 9 and 10, e.g. ss 68-71). The Act expressly contemplates proceedings under the Judicial Review Act 1991 in relation to decisions made under this Act (pt 5; s 63(2)).
Evidence and procedure in courts and tribunals: The chief executive may provide certificates that are evidence of matters such as licence status and terms (s 51). The Act also states that offences against it are summary offences (s 50), which indicates the mode of prosecution and summary jurisdiction for enforcement.
Consequences of the absence of named cases in the supplied text
Because the supplied text contains no case citations or summaries, the only source‑grounded litigation history is the Act’s internal administrative appeal path and the transitional provisions that require some matters to be re‑decided under amended provisions. Practitioners therefore must rely on tribunal and court records outside this text to identify any litigation that has tested the Act’s provisions.
Practical implication
The primary redress mechanism for applicants and licensees dissatisfied with chief executive decisions is QCAT review (s 26). For matters concerning administrative law grounds or judicial review, the usual paths under the Judicial Review Act and Supreme Court jurisdiction remain available, as indicated by the transitional references to pending proceedings (s 63; pt 10).
In short, the supplied Act creates an administrative architecture for licensing disputes but does not itself report litigation outcomes or cases. To understand how courts and tribunals have interpreted particular provisions, one must consult external judicial and tribunal decisions, which are beyond the scope of the supplied text.
Gotchas
The Act contains a number of provisions that create sharp operational consequences if not carefully handled. These are specific legal mechanisms that can be overlooked on a first reading but have practical effect.
Fingerprinting is mandatory for application consideration
The chief executive may consider an application only if each relevant person is agreeable to having fingerprints taken by the Commissioner under s 27, unless the Commissioner already holds the fingerprints (s 10(8)). If the fingerprints of each relevant person for an application have not been taken by the Commissioner under s 27, the chief executive must refuse to grant the licence (s 28(1)). The same mandatory effect applies to renewal of unrestricted licences (s 28(2)). In practice, failure to secure consent to fingerprinting prevents an application being considered and triggers mandatory refusal.
Costs may be required upfront and may be refundable only in narrow circumstances
The application must be accompanied by prescribed fees and, where the chief executive requires payment of costs under s 12AA(1), by the amount of those costs (s 10(2A)). Section 12AA allows the chief executive to require an applicant or licensee to pay reasonable actual costs of obtaining a criminal history report. The chief executive must refund amounts paid if the application is refused without asking for the report, or if the applicant withdraws before the chief executive asks for the report (s 12AA(2)). The timing and quantification of these costs are administratively controlled.
Chief executive’s discretion is broad but has specified limits
The chief executive decides whether a person is an “appropriate person” but is limited to considering only the matters in ss 11(4) and (5) and may not have regard to criminal intelligence given by the Commissioner under s 48 (s 11(3)-(4)). However, the chief executive retains wide discretion within the permitted matters, including assessing dishonesty, integrity, bankruptcy, convictions, unrecorded findings of guilt, and any other information indicating public safety risk (s 11(4)). The discretion over imposed conditions (s 15) and statutory training requirements (s 14B(2)) is also significant, and the Act bars appeals against a decision under s 14B(2) (s 14B(5)).
Automatic cancellation with duty to return licence
A licence is automatically cancelled if the licensee, or another required appropriate person, is convicted of a disqualifying offence with recorded conviction or becomes subject to a relevant control order (s 24(1)). The Act then requires return of the licence within 14 days or a maximum penalty of 20 penalty units (s 24(2)). Automatic cancellation removes discretion to the chief executive and imposes an administrative return obligation on the former licensee.
Use and retention of criminal history and fingerprint information
The chief executive may ask the Commissioner for criminal history reports (s 12) and must destroy information obtained under s 12 or 12A when no longer needed (s 12B(7)), but the Public Records Act 2023 does not apply to that information (s 12B(8)). Fingerprints taken under s 27 may be used by the Commissioner only to comply with s 29 or for police functions (s 30). Destruction of fingerprints is required in specified circumstances and must be done in the presence of a justice (s 31(3)-(5)). These provisions create compliance and record‑management steps that must be timed precisely.
Training and association membership conditions
Security firm licence applicants must include evidence of current membership in an approved security industry association (s 10(3B)), and failure to be a member is a ground for suspension, cancellation or refusal to renew, but only after 60 days have passed from when membership ended (s 21(1)(f); s 21(2)). Security firms may be subject to imposed conditions requiring monitoring of employee compliance (s 15(2)). These requirements create ongoing operational duties for firms.
Show cause timelines and administrative amendments
The chief executive must provide at least 28 days for representations before amending a licence on the chief executive’s initiative (s 18(2)), and at least 28 days before taking suspension, cancellation or non‑renewal action (s 22(1)). Missing procedural deadlines or misdocumenting reasons can affect the lawfulness of administrative action, and the Act explicitly provides that a court or tribunal must dismiss proceedings started in contravention of the bar on appeal against certain decisions (s 14B(5)-(6)). Practitioners should note the Act’s combination of closed‑list procedural steps and limited appealability in places.
QCAT review is available but limited to specified decisions
The Act lists the chief executive decisions that are reviewable by QCAT (s 26). Not every action or decision of the chief executive may be reviewable under s 26; careful identification of whether a particular act qualifies for QCAT review is necessary.
False document offence and corrective safe harbour
The Act creates a standalone offence for providing a document known to be false or misleading in a material particular (s 49A(1); max 60 penalty units). There is a statutory safe harbour where the person informs the chief executive of the extent of the falsity and provides the correct information if they have it or can reasonably obtain it (s 49A(2)). A practitioner must be alert to the requirement to correct and disclose rather than rely on unconsented concealment.
Temporary permits are limited and conditional
Temporary permits allow holders of corresponding authorities to operate for stated functions and events (s 31A) and are treated largely as licences under part 2 (s 31D), but sections 10(8) and 20(7) fingerprint consent rules do not apply to undecided applications as per transitional provisions (pt 7), and temporary permits terminate at the earlier of event end or stated term (s 31B). Conditions to temporary permits can exclude the protection under s 31F where the holder fails to comply with conditions.
Information sharing exceptions
Although s 48 authorises information sharing despite another Act, it explicitly excludes information given under the Crime and Corruption Act 2001 from the definition of “information” for arrangements (s 48(5)), and the chief executive may use criminal intelligence only for monitoring compliance (s 48(4)). The Act therefore restricts one avenue of criminal intelligence use in licensing decisions (s 11(3)).
Regulation‑made exemptions and codes can change compliance
The Governor in Council may make regulations exempting activities from the licensing requirement or authorise the chief executive to approve that crowd controllers or security officers need not hold a licence for specified activities (s 54(2)(a)-(b)). Practitioners should watch subordinate instruments and codes of practice that may materially affect the scope of required licences or create regulatory offences.
Each “gotcha” is a concrete legal mechanism in the Act that changes outcomes for applicants, licensees, firms and regulators. Practitioners should factor these mechanical triggers and timelines into application drafting, compliance programs, and dispute strategies.
How to comply
This section sets out concrete, source‑grounded steps and administrative practices for applicants, licensees, security firms and their advisers to meet the Act’s requirements and avoid the penalties and administrative consequences set out in the text.
Determine whether the activity is captured and which licence type is required
Consult the role definitions: bodyguard (s 4A), crowd controller (s 5), private investigator (s 6), security adviser (s 6A), security equipment installer (s 6B), security officer (s 7), and security firm (s 8). Confirm that the activity is not excluded (s 4(3)-(4)). Only then proceed with the appropriate licence application under s 10 and ensure the functions sought are accurately stated (s 10(3)).
Prepare application materials in the approved form and pay prescribed fees
Submit the application in the chief executive’s approved form with the fee prescribed in regulation (s 10(2)). If the chief executive requires payment of costs for criminal history reports under s 12AA(1) before or at application, include the required amount (s 10(2A); s 12AA(1)). Keep documentary proof of payment and use of funds.
Assemble evidence of training, association membership and identity
For class 1 licences (other than security firm or restricted licences), ensure successful completion of approved training for each type of security provider sought, unless the individual held the relevant licence within the past year (s 11(2)(b); s 11(2A)). For security firm applications, include evidence of current membership of an approved security industry association (s 10(3B); s 13(3)(c)). Prepare any documentation the chief executive may reasonably request and respond within the 28‑day period specified (s 10(5)-(6)).
Ensure consent to fingerprinting and pay fingerprint fees where prescribed
Before the chief executive will consider an application, ensure that each relevant person (applicant, officer of a corporation, or partner) agrees to have fingerprints taken by the Commissioner under s 27 unless the Commissioner already holds them (s 10(8)-(10)). If fingerprint fees are prescribed by regulation, include them with the application (s 10(9)). Note that the chief executive must refuse to grant or renew where fingerprints have not been taken for each relevant person (s 28).
Provide criminal history cooperation and manage associated costs
Expect the chief executive to make inquiries and request a criminal history report from the Commissioner (s 12). The chief executive may require you to pay the reasonable actual costs of obtaining that report (s 12AA(1)). If the chief executive refuses the application without asking for the report, or the applicant withdraws before the chief executive asks for the report, a refund of costs must be made (s 12AA(2)).
Address “appropriate person” matters proactively
The chief executive’s assessment of “appropriate person” is limited to the matters in ss 11(4)-(5) and s 13(3A) for corporations, and the chief executive may not consider criminal intelligence provided by the Commissioner in making that assessment (s 11(3); s 13(3A)). Provide clear evidence on honesty, integrity, financial probity (bankruptcy), conviction history and any steps taken to address past issues. If there are past convictions, determine whether they are disqualifying within the statutory timelines (s 11(5)).
Anticipate and accept statutory conditions and possible imposed conditions
Restricted licences are limited in scope and require appropriate direct supervision (s 14B(1)). Unrestricted licences may be subject to the chief executive’s written requirement to complete relevant approved training on renewal or at intervals (s 14B(2)-(3)). The chief executive may impose other conditions (s 15). Build compliance processes to ensure training is completed, supervision is provided where required, and conditions are documented and followed.
For security firms, establish monitoring and association compliance procedures
If imposing conditions, the chief executive may expect security firm licensees to monitor employee compliance (s 15(2)). Approved security industry association membership is required for firms, and associations must report terminated memberships monthly (s 10(3B); s 21A). Firms should implement recordkeeping for membership and monitoring to meet both internal and regulatory scrutiny.
Maintain records, privacy and confidentiality practices
The chief executive must destroy information obtained under ss 12 and 12A when no longer needed (s 12B(7)), but until then such information is excluded from the Public Records Act 2023 (s 12B(8)). Persons involved in administering the Act must not record or disclose confidential information except for the specific permitted purposes (s 48A(1)-(4)). Put in place secure handling procedures for criminal history reports, fingerprint data, and other sensitive information.
Prepare for show cause and review processes
If a show cause notice is issued under s 18 (amendment) or s 22 (suspension/cancellation/refusal to renew), respond within the minimum 28‑day period and provide documentary evidence and legal submissions. If the chief executive proceeds with adverse action, obtain the QCAT information notice and consider QCAT review where the Act permits (s 26). Where applicable, consider the effect of a pending criminal charge,charging can be a ground to defer or suspend pending resolution (s 14(2); s 20(2A); s 21(5)).
(a) a police officer or a member of the police service of the Commonwealth or a State;
(b) a member of the Defence Force;
(c) an officer or employee of the Commonwealth or a State;
(d) a Minister of the Commonwealth or a State;
(e) a department of the Commonwealth or a State;
(f) an officer of or employee in the parliamentary service established under the Parliamentary Service Act 1988 ;
(g) a casino employee or casino key employee within the meaning of the Casino Control Act 1982 .
sec.4A Who is a bodyguard
sec.4A Who is a bodyguard
A bodyguard is a person who, for reward, provides a close personal protection service.
s 4A ins 2007 No. 15 s 6
sec.5 Who is a crowd controller
sec.5 Who is a crowd controller
A crowd controller is a person who, for reward, is at a public place principally for keeping order in or about the public place, including, for example, by doing any of the following—
screening the entry of persons into the place;
monitoring or controlling the behaviour of persons in the place;
removing persons from the place.
a bouncer at a hotel, nightclub or rock concert
Despite subsection (1) , a person is not a crowd controller merely because the person checks that a person allowed admission to the public place has paid for the admission or has an invitation or pass allowing the admission.
s 5 sub 2007 No. 15 s 6
(sec.5-ssec.1) A crowd controller is a person who, for reward, is at a public place principally for keeping order in or about the public place, including, for example, by doing any of the following— screening the entry of persons into the place; monitoring or controlling the behaviour of persons in the place; removing persons from the place. a bouncer at a hotel, nightclub or rock concert
(sec.5-ssec.2) Despite subsection (1) , a person is not a crowd controller merely because the person checks that a person allowed admission to the public place has paid for the admission or has an invitation or pass allowing the admission.
(a) screening the entry of persons into the place;
(b) monitoring or controlling the behaviour of persons in the place;
(c) removing persons from the place.
sec.6 Who is a private investigator
sec.6 Who is a private investigator
A private investigator is a person who, for reward—
obtains and gives private information about another person, without the other person’s express consent; or
carries out surveillance for obtaining private information about another person, without the other person’s express consent; or
investigates the disappearance of a missing person.
Despite subsection (1) , a person is not a private investigator merely because—
the person—
is the employee of a person who does not, for reward, obtain and give information; and
as an employee, obtains and gives information about another person; or
the person—
is an employee of a person who, for reward, obtains and gives information; and
as an employee, obtains and gives information about another person to the employer other than for the purpose of the employer giving the information to someone else for reward; or
the person, for reward, gives information about another person from existing records in the person’s possession or in the possession of the person’s employer.
a retail department store’s employee who obtains information about the credit standing of a person who has applied for the store’s credit card
Each of the following persons is not a private investigator in carrying out the functions of the person’s occupation or employment—
an Australian legal practitioner or an Australian legal practitioner’s employee;
an accountant or an accountant’s employee;
a person carrying on the business of insurance or an employee of the person;
a person carrying on the business of an insurance adjustment agency or an employee of the person.
Also, an independent investigator is not a private investigator in investigating and reporting on the grievance for which the independent investigator is engaged.
In this section—
accountant means—
a person registered as an auditor under the Corporations Act ; or
a member of CPA Australia who is entitled to use the letters ‘CPA’ or ‘FCPA’; or
a member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia who is entitled to use the letters ‘CA’ or ‘FCA’; or
a member of the Institute of Public Accountants who is entitled to use the letters ‘MIPA’ or ‘FIPA’.
Australian legal practitioner means an Australian legal practitioner within the meaning of the Legal Profession Act 2007 .
independent investigator means a person, other than a public service employee, who is engaged to investigate and report on a grievance lodged by a public service employee under the Public Sector Act 2022 .
private information , about a person, means information, including information recorded in a document, about—
for an individual—the individual’s personal character, actions, business or occupation; or
for a person other than an individual—the person’s business or occupation.
s 6 amd 2002 No. 13 s 124 sch ; 2007 No. 15 s 7 ; 2009 No. 25 s 83 sch ; 2013 No. 39 s 43 sch 1 ; 2022 No. 34 s 365 sch 3
(sec.6-ssec.1) A private investigator is a person who, for reward— obtains and gives private information about another person, without the other person’s express consent; or carries out surveillance for obtaining private information about another person, without the other person’s express consent; or investigates the disappearance of a missing person.
(sec.6-ssec.2) Despite subsection (1) , a person is not a private investigator merely because— the person— is the employee of a person who does not, for reward, obtain and give information; and as an employee, obtains and gives information about another person; or the person— is an employee of a person who, for reward, obtains and gives information; and as an employee, obtains and gives information about another person to the employer other than for the purpose of the employer giving the information to someone else for reward; or the person, for reward, gives information about another person from existing records in the person’s possession or in the possession of the person’s employer. a retail department store’s employee who obtains information about the credit standing of a person who has applied for the store’s credit card
(sec.6-ssec.3) Each of the following persons is not a private investigator in carrying out the functions of the person’s occupation or employment— an Australian legal practitioner or an Australian legal practitioner’s employee; an accountant or an accountant’s employee; a person carrying on the business of insurance or an employee of the person; a person carrying on the business of an insurance adjustment agency or an employee of the person.
(sec.6-ssec.4) Also, an independent investigator is not a private investigator in investigating and reporting on the grievance for which the independent investigator is engaged.
(sec.6-ssec.5) In this section— accountant means— a person registered as an auditor under the Corporations Act ; or a member of CPA Australia who is entitled to use the letters ‘CPA’ or ‘FCPA’; or a member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia who is entitled to use the letters ‘CA’ or ‘FCA’; or a member of the Institute of Public Accountants who is entitled to use the letters ‘MIPA’ or ‘FIPA’. Australian legal practitioner means an Australian legal practitioner within the meaning of the Legal Profession Act 2007 . independent investigator means a person, other than a public service employee, who is engaged to investigate and report on a grievance lodged by a public service employee under the Public Sector Act 2022 . private information , about a person, means information, including information recorded in a document, about— for an individual—the individual’s personal character, actions, business or occupation; or for a person other than an individual—the person’s business or occupation.
(a) obtains and gives private information about another person, without the other person’s express consent; or
(b) carries out surveillance for obtaining private information about another person, without the other person’s express consent; or
(c) investigates the disappearance of a missing person.
(a) the person— (i) is the employee of a person who does not, for reward, obtain and give information; and (ii) as an employee, obtains and gives information about another person; or
(i) is the employee of a person who does not, for reward, obtain and give information; and
(ii) as an employee, obtains and gives information about another person; or
(b) the person— (i) is an employee of a person who, for reward, obtains and gives information; and (ii) as an employee, obtains and gives information about another person to the employer other than for the purpose of the employer giving the information to someone else for reward; or
(i) is an employee of a person who, for reward, obtains and gives information; and
(ii) as an employee, obtains and gives information about another person to the employer other than for the purpose of the employer giving the information to someone else for reward; or
(c) the person, for reward, gives information about another person from existing records in the person’s possession or in the possession of the person’s employer. Example of paragraph (a) — a retail department store’s employee who obtains information about the credit standing of a person who has applied for the store’s credit card
(i) is the employee of a person who does not, for reward, obtain and give information; and
(ii) as an employee, obtains and gives information about another person; or
(i) is an employee of a person who, for reward, obtains and gives information; and
(ii) as an employee, obtains and gives information about another person to the employer other than for the purpose of the employer giving the information to someone else for reward; or
(a) an Australian legal practitioner or an Australian legal practitioner’s employee;
(b) an accountant or an accountant’s employee;
(c) a person carrying on the business of insurance or an employee of the person;
(d) a person carrying on the business of an insurance adjustment agency or an employee of the person.
(a) a person registered as an auditor under the Corporations Act ; or
(b) a member of CPA Australia who is entitled to use the letters ‘CPA’ or ‘FCPA’; or
(c) a member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia who is entitled to use the letters ‘CA’ or ‘FCA’; or
(d) a member of the Institute of Public Accountants who is entitled to use the letters ‘MIPA’ or ‘FIPA’.
(a) for an individual—the individual’s personal character, actions, business or occupation; or
(b) for a person other than an individual—the person’s business or occupation.
sec.6A Who is a security adviser
sec.6A Who is a security adviser
A security adviser is a person who, for reward, gives advice about security equipment or security methods or principles ( security advice ).
Despite subsection (1) , a person is not a security adviser merely because—
the person—
is an employee of a person who does not, for reward, give security advice; and
as an employee, gives security advice to the employer; or
the person—
is an employee of a person who, for reward, gives security advice; and
as an employee, gives security advice to the employer in relation to the employer’s own security and not in relation to the security of someone else for whom the employer gives security advice for reward; or
the person is
This is an opening excerpt, not the complete document.