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 $3,226

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.

Conditions of licence

Offence Maximum penalty
Breaching a condition of your licence $6,452

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 $1,613
Failing to advise OFT when your membership of an approved security industry association ends $1,613

Restricted licences

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

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
or
6 months in prison

$161,300
or
18 months in prison

Hiring an unlicensed security provider $80,650

$112,910
or
6 months in prison

$161,300
or
18 months in prison