Security licensing requirements in ACT
In ACT, security licensing is handled by the Access Canberra. XGuard requires guards working in ACT to provide security licence. Agencies are asked for security licence. These are the documents XGuard asks agencies in ACT to hold before they can list. XGuard checks them and never provides or arranges cover. The licence itself is issued by the Access Canberra. Independent professionals and agencies both list on XGuard; local rules decide who must hold which licence.
How licensing works in ACT
Who licenses
Each state or territory licenses separately; there is no national licence. A licence from one state does not automatically allow work in another (Western Australia offers mutual recognition for current licences from another Australian state, territory or New Zealand).
Who needs a licence
Guards, crowd controllers and bodyguards need an individual licence in the state where they work. Armed work needs further approvals that vary by state.
Steps
Other states and territories
- Western Australia: Western Australia Police Force Licensing Services (Security).
- South Australia: varies — check the South Australian Government security licensing page (https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/business-and-trade/licensing/security/business-licence/apply-now-employee).
- Tasmania: varies — check the Tasmanian regulator (https://cbos.tas.gov.au).
- Australian Capital Territory: varies — check Access Canberra (https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au).
- Northern Territory: varies — check the Northern Territory Government (https://nt.gov.au/industry/licences/security-licences).
Typical timeline
Not published on the pages checked; varies — check the state regulator.
Documents XGuard checks
- Security licenceRequired, expires
These are the documents XGuard asks agencies in ACT to hold before they can list. XGuard checks them and never provides or arranges cover. The licence itself is issued by the Access Canberra.
Wages and verification
Security Services Industry Award (MA000016). Source
Other states: no public register confirmed; XGuard checks by document review.
XGuard verifies licences by document review and, where the regulator publishes a lookup, against that lookup.
Frequently asked
Who issues security licences in ACT?
Security licences in ACT are issued by the Access Canberra.
Does a security agency need its own licence in ACT?
XGuard asks agencies in ACT for: Security licence. These are the documents XGuard asks agencies in ACT to hold before they can list. XGuard checks them and never provides or arranges cover. The licence itself is issued by the Access Canberra.
Next steps
Sources
- Access Canberra (Security Industry Act 2003)
- Access Canberra (Firearms Act 1996)
- Primary-source re-validation 2026-07-01
- Western Australia: security licence mutual recognition
- Western Australia Police Force: Licensing Services (Security)
- South Australia: security licensing
- Tasmania: Consumer, Building and Occupational Services
- Access Canberra
- Northern Territory: security licences
Last verified: July 2, 2026
XGuard is a marketplace. It does not employ security professionals or issue licences, and it does not promise work. Requirements change, so confirm with the regulator before you apply.