Licensing and Legal Requirements for Event Security in Brisbane
If you're planning an event in Brisbane—whether it's a private party, music festival, sporting event, or corporate gathering—keeping your guests safe is a top priority. One of the most important steps in doing this is hiring professional security. But before you hire just anyone, it’s important to understand the licensing and legal requirements involved with event security in Brisbane.
Security guards in Queensland must be licensed under the Security Providers Act 1993. This law helps protect the public by making sure only trained, qualified people work in the security industry. A licensed security guard has completed proper training, passed background checks, and is approved by the government to do the job.
Hiring unlicensed security staff is not only risky—it’s illegal. As an event organiser, you could face fines or legal issues if your security team isn’t properly licensed.
In Queensland, security licences are issued by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT). This government department makes sure that all security providers follow the law and meet professional standards.
There are different types of licences depending on the job. For example, someone working crowd control at an event needs a Crowd Controller Licence. Others may need a Bodyguard Licence, Security Officer Licence, or even a licence to install surveillance systems.
When hiring a company for event security Brisbane, always ask to see proof of their security licences and insurance. A reputable company will be happy to show you that their staff are properly trained, licensed, and insured.
Here are a few things to check:
Do their guards have current Queensland security licences?
Are they trained in crowd control, conflict resolution, and first aid?
Does the company carry public liability insurance?
Are they experienced with events similar to yours?
In addition to licensing, there are other legal responsibilities you need to know when organising an event with security:
Risk Management Plans – You may need to create a plan that outlines potential risks and how they’ll be handled. This is often required for larger public events.
Council Permits – Some events need local council approval, which may include a security plan as part of the application.
Duty of Care – As the organiser, you have a legal duty to make sure your event is safe for all attendees. This includes hiring qualified security staff.
Hiring licensed, professional security is not just about ticking a legal box—it’s about creating a safe, stress-free environment for your guests. By understanding the licensing and legal requirements for event security in Brisbane, you’ll be better prepared to choose a security provider that meets the highest standards.
At RC Security Group, all our guards are fully licensed, trained, and experienced in handling all types of events. If you’re looking for reliable event security in Brisbane, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
