ASIAL Security Industry Licensing Report 2021

Throughout this time the security industry has continued to perform a vital frontline role in helping keep the community safe and secure. Security providers have demonstrated their resourcefulness and innovation in responding rapidly to changing customer needs. Whilst some sectors of the industry have been hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, others have experienced strong demand.

The ASIAL Security Industry Licensing Report 2021 shows that whilst the number of Security Firm/Master Licence holders has remained steady, the total number of individual security licence holders increased 3.9% to 153,526 (up from 147,729 in 2019).

NSW accounted for 36% of all individual security licence holders nationally and 45.6% of all Security Firm/Master Licence holders. However, the ACT, Tasmania and West Australia also saw significant growth in individual licence numbers over the past year.

Whilst individual security licence numbers have grown, it is not known what proportion of these licence holders are currently working in the industry. As state and territory economies recover from the pandemic, the industry’s capacity and capability to meet increased customer demand will be tested.

In publishing this report ASIAL would like to acknowledge the support and data provided by each state and territory security industry regulator:

• ACT – Access Canberra
• NSW – Security Licensing & Enforcement Directorate
• & NSW Police
• NT – Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade
• QLD – Office of Fair Trading
• SA – Consumer and Business Services
• TAS – Consumer Building and Occupational Services,
• Department of Justice
• VIC – Licensing & Regulation Division, VIC Police
• WA – Licensing Services, WA Police