Before you hire a security guard, bodyguard, or crowd controller in Australia, you need to understand the licensing system. Every licensed security professional in Australia holds a class-specific licence that determines what they are legally permitted to do.
This guide explains the Australian security licence class system, what each class covers, and what businesses need to know when engaging security personnel.
How Security Licensing Works in Australia
Security licensing is regulated at the state and territory level in Australia. Each jurisdiction has its own licensing body:
- New South Wales: NSW Police Force — Security Licensing & Enforcement Directorate (SLED)
- Victoria: Victoria Police — Licensing & Regulation Division
- Queensland: Office of Fair Trading
- South Australia: Consumer and Business Services
- Western Australia: WA Police Force — Licensing Enforcement Division
While each state administers its own licences, the class structure is broadly consistent across Australia. Security officers must hold the appropriate licence class for every task they perform.
Security Licence Classes Explained
Class 1A — Unarmed Guard
Class 1A is the most common security licence in Australia. It covers:
- Mobile security patrols (vehicle and foot)
- Static guarding and on-site security
- Back-to-base monitoring and alarm response
- Access control and gatehouse operations
- General loss prevention
Class 1A officers do not carry firearms. They may use other approved equipment (such as handcuffs or personal protective equipment) where authorised under their licence. The vast majority of commercial security personnel hold Class 1A.
Class 1B — Guard Dog Handler
Class 1B covers all Class 1A functions plus the use of a trained security dog. Guard dog deployments are common for:
- Construction site security
- Yard and depot protection
- Industrial facilities
- After-hours retail patrol
Officers holding Class 1B must also hold (or be obtaining) a Class 1A licence. The dog used must be trained to the relevant Australian Standard and registered.
Class 1C — Crowd Controller
Class 1C is specifically for crowd control at licensed venues and events. This includes:
- Hotels, bars, and nightclubs
- Concerts and music festivals
- Sporting events
- Any venue licensed to sell alcohol where crowd management is required
Crowd controllers have specific training in conflict resolution, use of force, and venue evacuation procedures. In NSW, operating as a crowd controller without a Class 1C licence (or under the supervision of a licensed officer) is a criminal offence.
Class 1D — Bodyguard
Class 1D covers close personal protection — commonly referred to as executive protection. This class is required for:
- Personal protection of individuals and executives
- Close protection during travel and events
- Advance route planning and threat assessment
Bodyguards receive specialised training in protective security operations, first aid, and threat assessment. Many also hold relevant firearms licences.
Class 1E — Armed Guard
Class 1E covers the use of firearms in a security capacity. This is the most regulated class of security licence and covers:
- Cash-in-transit operations
- Armoured vehicle operations
- High-value asset transport
- Certain government and critical infrastructure roles
In addition to the security licence, Class 1E officers must hold separate firearms licences under their respective state’s Firearms Act. Police checks, medical requirements, and additional training requirements apply.
Master Licences: What Security Companies Must Hold
In addition to individual officer licences, security companies operating in Australia must hold a Master Licence (also called a Security Industry Licence or Business Licence, depending on the jurisdiction). This licence authorises the company to provide security services commercially.
When engaging a security company, always verify that they hold a current Master Licence. In NSW, Barrick Group holds Master Licence NSW M/L 000109659.
How to Verify a Security Licence
You can verify security licences through the relevant state licensing authority:
- NSW: SLED Licence Verification at police.nsw.gov.au
- VIC: Victoria Police licence check
- QLD: Office of Fair Trading licence register
Businesses engaging security personnel are not liable for verifying individual officer licences at each engagement, but doing so for contracted companies is considered due diligence — particularly in higher-risk environments.
What Licence Classes Does Barrick Group Hold?
Barrick Group holds a NSW Master Licence and deploys officers credentialled across all relevant licence classes — Class 1A (unarmed guard), Class 1B (guard dog handler), Class 1C (crowd controller), and Class 1D (bodyguard/executive protection) — as required by each client engagement.
Our safety and security services are delivered exclusively by licensed professionals operating within the scope of their licence class and Barrick’s operational procedures.
If you have questions about security licensing requirements for your business or project, contact our team on 1300 102 201 or online.
