Townsville Security Providers Advised New Laws Take Effect Today
Published Tuesday, 01 July, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland
The Honourable Kerry Shine
Townsville security providers have been reminded about new licensing and training requirements for the industry that take effect today (1 July).
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine said the security industry now must comply with the third phase of changes to the Security Providers Act 1993.
“Security providers will now be issued Class 1 licences to be employed in the manpower sector as crowd controllers, security officers, bodyguards, and private investigators,” Mr Shine said.
“Those providing security advice and installing security equipment will be issued a Class 2 technical licence.
“All Class 1 manpower licences will have new training requirements with crowd controllers and bodyguards now required to do ongoing training as a condition of their licence.
“The changes are designed to promote community and public safety and the protection of property by ensuring only appropriate and competent people are licensed to operate within the industry.
“People who hold current security provider licences can continue to operate on their existing licence until it expires, but from 1 July existing licence holders must lodge their renewal before their licence expires or face hefty fines for operating unlicensed.”
Mr Shine said anyone operating without a current licence faced fines of up to $75,000 for individuals or $937,500 for businesses.
“Compliance officers from the Department of Justice and Attorney-General will continue to work closely with the industry during this introductory phase,” he said.
“The State Government has allocated $2 million to implement and enforce the new laws.
“Officers from my department will ensure key industry stakeholders are aware of their licensing obligations, and continue educating the sector.
“In particular they are providing information to those in the newly licensed sector which includes security equipment installers, security advisers, in-house security and officers performing monitoring and control room operations.
“It is vital members of the industry are fully aware of the impact the changes will have on them, particularly in relation to licensing and the need to keep their skills up-to-date.”
Mr Shine said more than 650 people had attended regional forums held throughout Queensland last month.
“It was pleasing to see such a significant number of security providers take an active role in educating themselves about the changes by attending the forums,” he said.
“A new online resource has also been developed to assist members to understand the changes and how they impact on their business.
“The website explains in detail what the new requirements are for the industry, including licence categories, fees, training requirements and the licence process.”
The online resource, along with other relevant information and resources about the legislative changes, can be accessed on the Office of Fair Trading website at www.justice.qld.gov.au/security providers."
Media contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400 or 0488 799 273
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine said the security industry now must comply with the third phase of changes to the Security Providers Act 1993.
“Security providers will now be issued Class 1 licences to be employed in the manpower sector as crowd controllers, security officers, bodyguards, and private investigators,” Mr Shine said.
“Those providing security advice and installing security equipment will be issued a Class 2 technical licence.
“All Class 1 manpower licences will have new training requirements with crowd controllers and bodyguards now required to do ongoing training as a condition of their licence.
“The changes are designed to promote community and public safety and the protection of property by ensuring only appropriate and competent people are licensed to operate within the industry.
“People who hold current security provider licences can continue to operate on their existing licence until it expires, but from 1 July existing licence holders must lodge their renewal before their licence expires or face hefty fines for operating unlicensed.”
Mr Shine said anyone operating without a current licence faced fines of up to $75,000 for individuals or $937,500 for businesses.
“Compliance officers from the Department of Justice and Attorney-General will continue to work closely with the industry during this introductory phase,” he said.
“The State Government has allocated $2 million to implement and enforce the new laws.
“Officers from my department will ensure key industry stakeholders are aware of their licensing obligations, and continue educating the sector.
“In particular they are providing information to those in the newly licensed sector which includes security equipment installers, security advisers, in-house security and officers performing monitoring and control room operations.
“It is vital members of the industry are fully aware of the impact the changes will have on them, particularly in relation to licensing and the need to keep their skills up-to-date.”
Mr Shine said more than 650 people had attended regional forums held throughout Queensland last month.
“It was pleasing to see such a significant number of security providers take an active role in educating themselves about the changes by attending the forums,” he said.
“A new online resource has also been developed to assist members to understand the changes and how they impact on their business.
“The website explains in detail what the new requirements are for the industry, including licence categories, fees, training requirements and the licence process.”
The online resource, along with other relevant information and resources about the legislative changes, can be accessed on the Office of Fair Trading website at www.justice.qld.gov.au/security providers."
Media contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400 or 0488 799 273