Security Licensing Requirements
Why a Security License is Required
For security products in Australia, wholesalers can face legal and regulatory consequences if they supply to unlicensed installers. Security equipment installation is a regulated activity in many states and territories, including Queensland, requiring installers to hold a specific security equipment installer licence.
Key points specific to security products:
• Security equipment installers must be licensed to legally install, repair, or service security devices such as alarms, monitoring systems, access control devices, and safes. Unlicensed installation is prohibited and subject to enforcement and fines.
• Wholesalers supplying security products to installers should verify that the installer holds the appropriate licence. Supplying to unlicensed installers can expose wholesalers to liability and regulatory action, especially if the products are installed improperly or cause harm.
• The legal framework under Australian Consumer Law and relevant state legislation imposes strict product safety and liability obligations on suppliers and wholesalers. They must ensure products meet safety standards and are supplied to qualified, authorized parties.
• Businesses and individuals operating without a valid security licence can face significant fines (e.g., up to $937,500 for businesses in Queensland) and prosecution.
• Due diligence by wholesalers in verifying installer licences mitigates legal and financial risks and supports regulatory compliance.
In summary, when it comes to security products, wholesalers should ensure that their customers or installers are properly licensed to install security systems. Failure to do so risks wholesaler liability, penalties, and contributing to unsafe installations or breaches of law. Licensing is a critical compliance factor in the security industry.
In Qld, installers must hold both a security installers license and an ACMA cabling license
Security Firm Licenses
If you have a Pty Ltd company in Queensland and are the sole person doing all the security work (without subcontracting or employing others), you do not need a security firm license, including Class 2—even if your company is set up as a corporation. The law provides this exemption specifically for single-person operations who do not supply or subcontract others for security work.
However, if your company ever supplies staff to others, subcontracts any of the security work, or employs anybody to perform security services, then you would require the appropriate class of security firm license. You must still hold the necessary individual license to personally provide security services, such as a security provider (Class 2) individual license for advisory or installer functions.
So, for a single operator doing their own technical security work through a Pty Ltd company—with no employees or subcontractors—a Class 2 firm license is not required, but an individual license is necessary.
This information is sourced through resources on the internet and we have tried to ensure its accuracy although you should enquire with the Government agencies as to the legal requirements.