The NT has 3 categories of security licences: Security Firm; Crowd Controller; and Security Officer. A key issue with the way licences are categorised in the NT is that in most cases, one individual would have to obtain two separate licences (i.e. crowd controller and security officer) to perform the same role.
Other jurisdictions across Australia have a broader range of licence categories, in comparison to the NT, including the licensing of prohibited weapons. Each Australian jurisdiction has its own private security legislation which provides for the unique requirements and challenges experienced by the security industry within each state and territory.
It is intended that one of the key reforms to the legislation will be the licensing categories.
An option would be to implement a harmonised approach to licence categories by establishing a single licensing category for individuals working in private security. Under this category, there can be special endorsements that an individual can apply to have a special endorsement attached to their licence.
This would simplify the licensing regime while recognising the need for specific qualifications for specialist tasks.
