Security providers face tougher scrutiny

Security providers and people applying to join the industry will face tougher checks on their suitability when changes to the Security Providers Act 1993 come into effect next week.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine said from 1 October the scope of probity checks on those applying for, or renewing, security licences, would be significantly expanded.

“For the first time the Office of Fair Trading will check all applicants for unrecorded convictions,” Mr Shine said.

“The checks will also use criminal intelligence and other background information to make decisions about applicants’ suitability.

“The Office of Fair Trading will continue to check all applicants for convictions for offences committed in Australia and New Zealand.”

Mr Shine said these stricter checks meant members of the public could be more confident that the people protecting them were trustworthy.

“Stricter probity checks will make it harder for unsuitable applicants to get a licence or remain in the industry,” he said.

“The new probity checks are the second stage of a three-stage process implementing recent amendments to the Act.

“Stage one of the new reforms, introduced on 1 July 2007, increased the penalties for anyone operating without a licence with individuals or business now facing fines of up to $75,000 and $937,500 respectively.

“The third stage, planned for mid-2008, will introduce licences in previously unregulated sectors of the industry such as security equipment installers, electronic surveillance operators, dog handlers, in-house security guards and security advisors.”

Security officers and employers are encouraged to subscribe to the TradeSmart Update at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au for additional information about the new licensing laws and other changes within the industry.

27 September 2007
Media contact: Paul Holmes 3239 6400 or 0407 378 796
paul.holmes@ministerial.qld.gov.au