Selecting the right licensed security provider in Australia is critical to reducing operational, reputational and legal risks. In 2024 over 167,530 individual licence holders and 13,220 master licence holders were active nationally.

This guide explores seven essential factors to help businesses government, healthcare, logistics, education, and commercial property sectors make a confident and compliant choice.

1. Master Licences and Compliance

Master licences are mandatory certifications that security firms must hold to legally operate across Australian jurisdictions. Partnering with a licensed security provider in Australia ensures:
• Full compliance with state-specific regulations
• Insurance protection in case of breach or incident
• Professional accountability and legal clarity

Did you know? As of 2024, NSW accounts for 52% of all master security licences nationally — followed by VIC (19%), QLD (14%), WA (8%), and the remaining distributed across SA, ACT, TAS, and NT. This distribution reveals the regulatory density and varying enforcement levels across the country — with NSW representing the most audited and scrutinised environment for security providers.

Verify licences via trusted authorities:

• Australian Security Industry Association Limited (ASIAL)
• Security Providers Association of Australia Limited (SPAAL)

Choosing a provider with a valid licence ensures not just legality, but access to insured, professional security personnel accountable under law.

2. Experience Matters When Choosing a Licensed Security Provider in Australia

A provider’s operational experience signals their ability to deliver under pressure, navigate regulatory shifts, and tailor security to diverse industries.

Urban Protection Group brings decades of field-proven experience. Our teams are trained with reference to the ASIAL Licensing Report and deployed across logistics depots, campuses, aged care facilities, and government buildings — ensuring sector-specific understanding. UPG’s experience includes high risk environments such as liquidation sites, healthcare precints and secure logistic zones.

3. Nationwide Support from Licensed Security Providers

A licensed provider operating nationally offers consistency and efficiency across multi-site organisations. Advantages include:

• Standardised compliance and licensing
• Unified reporting and communication
• Scalable service models for rapid deployment

Urban Protection Group holds valid master licences in NSW, VIC, QLD, ACT, and NT, providing a single point of control with multi-jurisdictional coverage. This is particularly crucial for organisations with multiple sites or who manage contracts nationally, reducing duplication and ensuring policy consistency.

4. Technology and Innovation

Modern threats demand smarter responses. According to ASIAL’s 2025 industry report, AI surveillance and remote workplace monitoring are becoming central to modern security frameworks.

Urban Protection Group integrates next-generation technologies that drive both prevention and fast response:
• AI-enabled surveillance for real-time incident recognition
• Cloud-based dashboards offering live operational insights across multiple sites
• Smart hybrid models combining physical presence with predictive analytics

This is not just future-proofing — it’s intelligent, responsive protection that aligns with governance, reporting, and duty-of-care obligations.

5. Compliance with Industry Standards

Look beyond licences — ensure your provider complies with Australian standards and participates in national security associations like ASIAL and SPAAL.

With Victoria’s updated Private Security Act (2025) now mandating:

• Licensing for subcontractors
• Risk management plans
• Refresher training for licence holders

…Urban Protection Group integrates ongoing compliance reviews and training aligning with the evolving legislative landscape and internal audit standards into every contract, procedure, and performance review.

6. Customer Support and Aftercare

Security infrastructure is only as strong as the support behind it. A dependable licensed security provider in Australia offers:

• Rapid response to alarms and access faults
• Trained escalation for high-risk incidents
• Continuous communication and post-incident reporting

UPG’s National Control Centre ensures real-time response and zero-hour service breakdowns across sectors. This enables centralised co-ordination across state lines, with escalation paths defined by client risk profiles.

7. Custom Security Solutions

Every property, project, and environment present different exposure points. A licensed security provider in Australia should begin with a bespoke audit and deliver a solution built for local conditions, staff behaviour, and stakeholder needs. UPG security audits are conducted by senior risk managers with frontline and strategic experience ensuring recommendations are practical and enforceable.

Urban Protection Group works with clients to design integrated, low-disruption, and high-impact security models tailored to specific industries.

What next?

Security isn’t just a protective measure — it sits is a strategic investment in continuity and compliance. Whether you manage facilities, procurement, or governance, aligning with a licensed security provider in Australia ensures your environment stays protected, audit-ready, and reputation-secure, safeguarding your people, assets and obligations.

Ready to assess your risks? Visit urbanprotection.com.au to explore tailored security strategies for your industry — or reach out to schedule your free 2-minute Security System Audit.