Edition 55, April 2008

Update for Queensland security industry on licensing changes

Queensland security providers, and people applying to join the industry, can attend free information sessions to learn about licensing and training changes scheduled to take effect from mid 2008.

The information sessions, to be held throughout Queensland during May, will explain in detail the impacts of Phase Three of changes to the Security Providers Act 1993.

Substantial changes to the legislation have already come into effect, including an increase in penalties from 1 July 2007. An increase in probity checks took effect from 1 October 2007.

Phase Three will see the introduction of licences to previously unregulated sectors of the industry, such as security equipment installers, electronic surveillance operators, in-house security guards and security advisers.

Once implemented, anyone wishing to enter the industry before completing the required training may apply for a restricted licence. A restricted licence enables the performance of functions such as a bodyguard, crowd controller, private investigator or security officer. Applicants for a restricted licence will be subjected to suitability checks. If found suitable, the applicant can be issued with a restricted licence endorsed for one or more functions and commence work under direct supervision.

People with restricted licences will have a maximum of six months to complete their training and apply for an unrestricted licence.

Changes will also be made to the licence renewal process. Security providers who do not renew their licence before it expires will be unlicensed and therefore not allowed to perform their duties.

Licensees can be required to undertake additional training to ensure their skills are up-to-date and they are able to handle issues safely and effectively.

The information sessions will outline the new licensing classes, including restricted licences, and new training requirements.

Those involved in the industry, or planning to enter the industry, are encouraged to attend the forums to get answers to any questions they might have about how the changes will impact on them and their business.

Forum locations and dates are:

Brisbane

May 6

Gold Coast

May 8

Toowoomba

May 9

Cairns

May 12

Townsville

May 13

Hervey Bay

May 15

Mackay

May 19

Rockhampton

May 20

Sunshine Coast

May 22

For more information and to keep up-to-date about the security industry changes, sign up for the Office of Fair Trading's monthly TradeSmart Update at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au.

Factsheets about the changes and new licensing categories are available at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au (Select 'News' > 'What's new' > 'Security Providers Fact Sheets Available (25th Feb, 2008)'.)

This page was generated on 11 January, 2010

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