Queensland security guard licences explained.
Firm licences, individual licences, and the public register every Queensland business should check before signing a security contract.
Queensland security licences are issued by the Office of Fair Trading under the Security Providers Act 1993. There are two levels: a firm licence (for the business) and an individual licence (for each officer). A compliant security operation must hold both. The firm licence is classed 1 or 2 depending on the services offered. Every licence is searchable on the Office of Fair Trading public register at no cost.
Who regulates security in Queensland
Queensland security is regulated by the Office of Fair Trading, under the Security Providers Act 1993 and the Security Providers Regulation 2008. The same office issues licences, investigates complaints, and maintains the public register. Police have a role in enforcing conduct on the day, but the licensing system itself sits with Fair Trading.
The framework covers both businesses (firm licences) and people (individual licences). Both layers must be in place for the work to be lawful.
Firm licences: Class 1 vs Class 2
A firm licence authorises a business to provide regulated security services. There are two classes:
- Class 1 firm licence: authorises the business to provide one or more security services directly: security officers, crowd controllers, bodyguards, or monitoring services.
- Class 2 firm licence: authorises the business to provide consulting and advisory services, sourcing or supplying personnel, but not to provide the services directly.
Most operating security firms hold Class 1. Tupper Security Services holds Class 1 firm licence #4572076. If you're hiring a provider to put officers on your site, you want Class 1.
Individual licences: per officer, per function
Every officer who works a security shift in Queensland must hold a current individual licence covering the function they're performing. The categories include:
- Security officer (unarmed)
- Security officer (monitoring)
- Crowd controller
- Bodyguard
- Cash-in-transit
- Private investigator (separate stream, different licence)
To hold an individual licence, an applicant must complete the relevant accredited training, pass the fit-and-proper-person test (criminal history check, mental health declarations, citizenship or residency status), and renew on the prescribed cycle.
The founder of Tupper Security Services, Anthony Tupper, holds individual licence #4063312 covering Crowd Controller, Security Officer Monitoring, and Security Officer Unarmed.
How the public register works
The Office of Fair Trading maintains a public register that any business or member of the public can search at no cost. The register shows:
- The licence number.
- The licensee's name (firm or individual).
- The licence class and the categories authorised.
- Current status: current, expired, suspended, cancelled.
- Expiry date.
You don't need an account to search. You search by licensee name or by licence number. A 30-second check on the register will tell you whether the provider quoting your job is actually licensed to do it.
What to ask a security firm
Before signing, ask for:
- The firm licence number, class, and expiry date.
- The categories the firm is authorised for, matched to the work you need.
- Confirmation that every assigned officer will hold a current individual licence covering their function.
- The right to sight individual licences for the officers assigned to your site before they start.
- The firm's subcontracting policy in writing.
A firm that resists any of these isn't the firm you want. For the broader vetting framework, see how to vet a security company in Queensland.
What happens if a provider isn't licensed
Operating without a current licence is an offence under the Act and carries significant penalties. From your side as the client, the more practical risk is insurance. Most public liability and workers compensation policies require lawful operation as a condition of cover. An incident involving an unlicensed person on your site can become your insurance problem very quickly.
The licence check is cheap. The aftermath of skipping it is not.
How licensing fits with our other safeguards
Licensing is the floor, not the ceiling. A licensed firm still needs to carry current public liability insurance, run a proper subcontracting policy, train officers beyond the minimum required for the licence, and produce written documentation of the work they do. Licensing tells you the provider is legal. The other checks tell you whether they're good.
More on the surrounding services we provide: mobile patrols, static guards & concierge, alarm response, event security. About the founder and the firm: about Tupper Security Services.
Get a written scope
If you'd like to discuss a job in Ipswich, Brisbane, or the western corridor, we'll do a free site visit and come back with a written scope. Request a site visit → or call 0414 829 850.
Published 21 May 2026 · Anthony Tupper, Founder · Tupper Security Services holds Queensland Security Firm Licence (Class 1) #4572076.