Major Shake-Up in Victoria’s Private Security Laws: What It Means for Your Business

Last updated 09/10/2025

Victoria’s private security industry is entering a new era of regulation. Following a major sector review in 2020–2021, the Private Security and County Court Amendment Act 2024 officially came into force on 19 June 2025. The impact? Sweeping changes to how licences work, how subcontractors are engaged, and what clients are now legally required to provide.

Whether you operate a small patrol outfit or manage a large guarding operation, the new rules will impact your workforce, your licences, your client contracts — and your bottom line.

As your compliance specialist, I attended the ASIAL Industry Briefing on 23 July 2025 and have broken down what matters most so you can focus on staying operational, compliant, and prepared.

⚠️ Note: While the core legislative changes are active, several measures (including training modules and the official Risk Management Plan template) are still being phased in and finalised by LRD.

🔍 The 10 Changes Every Security Business Must Understand

Overview of the Legislative Overhaul
– Business registrations for “advisor” and “installer” are being phased out
– Subcontracting rules have changed
– Mandatory refresher training and First Aid introduced
– Risk management plans now required – by clients
– Fingerprinting returns across the board
– ABN security operators must transition
– New compliance obligations for both companies and individuals

Let’s unpack what this really means for you.

Note that this is based on the plan from the Regulator and is subject to change.

1. ❌ Business Registrations Are Being Abolished

The old business registration categories (e.g. “advisor”, “installer”) are being phased out. All operators — individuals or companies — must transition to full Private Security Licences by 19 June 2026.

What to Do Now:

• Use the transition forms available via LRD (police.vic.gov.au)
• Begin the process early to avoid delays or expiry penalties

2. 🚫 Independent Contractors Must Transition

ABN-holding security operatives (especially in guarding or crowd control) can no longer operate as subcontractors. They must either:

• Become employees
  OR
• Apply for a full Private Security Business Licence

Deadline: 19 December 2025
Why it matters: This closes a major transparency gap — but will heavily impact businesses relying on casual ABN subcontractors.

3. 📚 Refresher Training Is Now Mandatory

Guards, Crowd Controllers, and Bodyguards must complete refresher training to maintain their licence. The training:

• Will be delivered online
• Takes approximately 8 hours (4 modules regarding Industry Updates, Risk Management, Communication and Safe Tactics, including case studies (e.g. Westfield Bondi Junction))
• Costs up to $70 (excluding First Aid and licence renewal fees)
• Will roll out in 2026, with a 10-week completion window before licence expiry

➡️ Keep an eye out for renewal notices — the clock starts ticking as soon as they land.

4. 🩹 First Aid Is Now Required on Renewal

All licence holders must provide a valid HLTAID011 First Aid certificate, dated within 3 years of their renewal date.

• Must be from a provider recognised by the Australian Resuscitation Council
• Applies to all licence types — including consultants — unless exempted by future clarification

5. 🧾 Transitioning from Registration to Licence

If you or your business previously held a registration but not a full licence, you’ll need to:

• Submit updated ID and documentation
• Complete fingerprinting
• Apply via PDF until Service Victoria takes over (expected 2026–27)

Pro Tip: Many applications are being rejected over small issues — e.g. missing documents, medical declarations with no supporting info. Don’t rush it.

6. 📋 Clients Now Have Legal Responsibilities Too

If a client engages your business for guarding, crowd control, or bodyguard services, they must now provide a Risk Management Plan (RMP).

• Due 48 hours before the job
• Must be passed to each operative 24 hours in advance
• Applies to all jobs — from corporate events to private parties

A standardised RMP template from the Chief Commissioner is still in development, but the legal requirement is already in force.

➡️ Get proactive. Build this into your client onboarding and delivery process now.

7. 🔄 Subcontracting Rules Overhauled

You now need explicit, written consent from your client for any subcontracted work.

• You must list each operative’s full name and licence number
• For last-minute jobs: client must be notified within 72 hours of who attended the job
• Verbal or implied approval no longer counts

➡️ If your company uses subcontractors, review all contracts and ensure client comms are formalised.

8. 🛂 Fingerprinting Returns for All Licences

All applications — including renewals and transitions — now require fingerprinting unless you already hold a current security licence.

➡️ Encourage your new team members, or those converting from registrations, to book fingerprinting as soon as their notices arrive. Delays will snowball, and late renewals past their registration expiry mean the licence gets cancelled.

9. 📖 Code of Conduct Is Coming

LRD is preparing a mandatory Code of Conduct. Once released:

• Every licence holder (individual or business) must sign it on renewal
• All new entrants must sign before being approved
• Breaches will have consequences — including suspension or cancellation

➡️ Watch the LRD website and ASIAL updates.

10. 💻 Tech and Identity Systems Are Being Modernised

The current application system is outdated (think 1990s-level software). A digital overhaul is in progress:

• Service Victoria will eventually handle identity verification and applications
• A QR code system for faster document uploads is being developed
• Expect a full rollout in 2026–2027

➡️ Until then, we’re back to PDFs and manual uploads. Expect delays — and plan ahead.

⚠️ Don’t Forget the Fines

The regulator has discretion, but deliberate breaches will face penalties:

• Up to $47,000+ for organisations
• Up to $23,000+ for individuals
• Suspension or cancellation of your licence is on the table

📊 Action Plan: What You Should Do Now

Need Help Navigating It All?

Let’s face it — this is a lot to manage. But with the right preparation, these reforms are also an opportunity to show your professionalism and stand out in a tightening market.

At GuardHERE Consulting, I help Victorian security businesses transition smoothly and stay ahead of compliance.

Whether you need:

• Licence transition planning
• Staff conversion strategy
• Client onboarding process updates
• Subcontractor compliance workflows
• Refresher training

I’m here to back you.

👉 Contact me now if you need help or a compliance session!

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