Security providers must obey a range of laws including:
On this page you'll find information about the penalties for security industry offences. These fines are for individuals—corporations could face up to 5 times the maximum penalty.
This penalty applies if you've committed a disqualifying offence.
| Offence | Maximum penalty |
|---|---|
| Failing to return your licence to the Office of Fair Trading within 14 days after being convicted of a disqualifying offence and having your licence cancelled | $3,226 |
These offences relate to your identification as a security industry operator.
| Offence | Maximum penalty |
|---|---|
| Failing to have visible identification on your clothing, at chest level | $3,226 |
| Wearing a hat with a checkerboard design (like that of a police officer) | $3,226 |
Inspectors have the legal authority to make sure you don't break the law—you must follow their lawful directions or risk a fine.
These offences relate to non-compliance with inspectors.
| Offence | Maximum penalty |
|---|---|
| Not giving an inspector your name and address (if the inspector finds or suspects you're breaking the law) | $8,065 |
| Not giving an inspector information about an alleged breach (if the inspector finds or suspects you're breaking the law) | $32,260 or 1 year imprisonment |
| Giving an inspector false or misleading information or documents | $32,260 or 2 years imprisonment |
| Not giving an inspector a document you're legally required to keep (for example a licence or register) | $32,260 |
| Stopping the inspector from exercising any of their powers | $32,260 or 1 year imprisonment |
These offences relate to your security industry licence.
| Offence | Maximum penalty |
|---|---|
| Breaching a condition of your licence | $6,452 |
| Offence | Maximum penalty |
|---|---|
| Failing to advise the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) in writing within 14 days about changes to any aspect of your licence, including your personal details | $1,613 |
| Failing to advise OFT when your membership of an approved security industry association ends | $1,613 |
| Offence | Maximum penalty |
|---|---|
| Carrying out security functions that you aren't licenced to do under the restricted security industry licence | $3,226 |
| Failing to have an unrestricted licensee supervise your work under a restricted industry licence | $3,226 |
This offence relates to your records.
| Offence | Maximum penalty |
|---|---|
| Failing to keep a register when your business is required to | $3,226 |
Unlicensed work in the security industry is against the law. These offences relate to unlicensed work.
| Offence | First offence | Second offence | Third offence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Working unlicensed in the security industry or advertising security industry work while unlicensed | $80,650 | $112,910 | $161,300 |
| Hiring an unlicensed security provider | $80,650 | $112,910 | $161,300 |
