Industry Licensing Requirements

Security 

All electrical and communications contractors involved in the design, installation, maintenance, service or repair of security equipment such as alarm systems, security cameras and automatic gates are required by law to hold a Master Licence. Further, all employees of the contractor undertaking such work require a class 2C licence (see below).

The Security Industry Act 1997 makes it an offence to provide certain private security services without a Master Licence. This Act is enforced by the NSW Police.

Most of the work carried out by electrical and communications contractors will be covered by a Class 2 Master Licence, with the majority falling into Class 2C. Category 2 licences are broken down as follows:

• Class 2A authorises the licensee to act as a security consultant
• Class 2B authorises the licensee to sell security equipment, carry out surveys and inspections of security equipment and to give advice about security equipment
• Class 2C authorises the licensee to install, repair, service or maintain security equipment
• Class 2D authorises the licensee to provide training or instruction in relation to any security activity.

Integrity Testing

All applicants for licences will be subject to integrity checks by the Commissioner of Police or delegate prior to being granted a licence. Ongoing monitoring of continued integrity will be conducted by computer exemption report on a daily basis thereafter. Close associates such as spouses and business partners will be subject to identical inquiry. The Security Industry Registry is responsible for undertaking all criminal records checks for the purposes of licensing and associated matters. In addition, businesses must:

• Maintain Public Liability insurance with risk exposure not less than $10 million on any one claim
• Maintain Workers' Compensation insurance or self insurance approval
• Maintain business and administrative records as required by the Australian Companies Code and the Act
• Ensure that working hours, conditions of employment and rates of pay for employees meet Award, EBA or AWA requirements.

NECA is your door to obtaining a Master Licence.

All Master Licence holders must belong to an Approved Security Organisation (ASO). Master Licences will be issued and maintained only while a relationship in this form remains valid. NECA is an Approved Security Organisation.

If you are already a member of NECA and require an endorsement letter please contact the office at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

If you would like to become a member of NECA download the Application for Membership (177 KB).

Security Industry Council Representation

The Act is currently under review and, as a member of the Security Industry Council, NECA has been lobbying for the rights of electrical and communications contractors in this area. NECA will keep members updated with any changes.