Security industry breaches and penalties

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.

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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 $3,338
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 $3,338
Wearing a hat with a checkerboard design (like that of a police officer)$3,338

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) $8,345
Not giving an inspector information about an alleged breach (if the inspector finds or suspects you're breaking the law) $33,380 or 1 year imprisonment
Giving an inspector false or misleading information or documents $33,380 or 2 years imprisonment
Not giving an inspector a document you're legally required to keep (for example a licence or register) $33,380
Stopping the inspector from exercising any of their powers $33,380 or 1 year imprisonment

These offences relate to your security industry licence.

Conditions of licence
Offence Maximum penalty
Breaching a condition of your licence $6,676  
Change of details
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 $1,669
Failing to advise OFT when your membership of an approved security industry association ends $1,669  
Restricted licences
Offence Maximum penalty
Carrying out security functions that you aren't licenced to do under the restricted security industry licence $3,338
Failing to have an unrestricted licensee supervise your work under a restricted industry licence $3,338
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 $83,450

$116,830
or
6 months in prison

$166,900
or
18 months in prison

Hiring an unlicensed security provider $83,450

$116,830
or
6 months in prison

$166,900
or
18 months in prison