Please Note: I have only
copied and pasted this announcement, so I believe it is all intact, however, just to be sure, or if anyone needs further information, please go to the Qld. Office of Fair Trading website.
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New fingerprinting requirementWith recent amendments to the Security Providers Act 1993, all security providers in Queensland will be required to be fingerprinted as part of the licensing process.
Why do I have to be fingerprinted?This new requirement brings Queensland into line with other Australian states and territories, which already require security providers to be fingerprinted. It is part of a nationally consistent approach to security industry regulation and will provide more protection for consumers, the public and security firms.
Given the vital work performed by security providers in enhancing public safety and protecting critical infrastructure, it is important your suitability is rigorously checked.
The amended legislation provides for better identification of applicants for security provider licences, and more thorough ongoing probity checks, helping to prevent criminal elements from entering or remaining in the security industry. Using fingerprints on top of the current 100 point identity check will also help to overcome the perpetration of identity fraud.
When does it start?Beginning on 1 July 2011, new applicants will need to provide their fingerprints as part of the application process and, from 3 October 2011, all existing licensees will be progressively fingerprinted during the licence renewal process.
How much will it cost?The cost of fingerprinting is being subsidised by the Queensland Government, but will still cost applicants $100.
It is important to note that, while you remain licensed, you will only need to be fingerprinted once, even if you apply for an additional security licence.
Storage and destruction of your fingerprintsYour fingerprints will be taken by the Queensland Police Service, and stored on the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System, a national database that includes the fingerprints of people known to police and fingerprints taken from unsolved crimes.
Your fingerprints will only be kept for the period of time for which you are a licensed security provider. If your licence expires, is cancelled, refused, surrendered or withdrawn, your fingerprints will be destroyed in the presence of a justice of the peace. If, at a later date, you re-apply for a licence, you will need to be fingerprinted and pay the fee again.
Where can I get fingerprinted?There are currently 14 Police Stations across Queensland earmarked for security provider fingerprinting. Applicants in rural and remote locations will have access to alternative fingerprinting facilities. Once you lodge your application, you’ll receive a letter from us with a list of stations to choose from. You will then be able to contact a station directly to make a suitable appointment time. Once your fingerprints have been taken, the Queensland Police Service will advise us so that processing of your licence application or renewal can continue.
Please note: you will need to lodge your renewal application with the Office of Fair Trading before your fingerprints can be taken. A letter will then be sent to you detailing the step-by-step process that you will need to follow.
More informationThis email is being sent to advise you of the introduction of this initiative. At this stage you need to take no further action. Full details will be provided to you in your licence renewal notice as we head towards the 3 October 2011 implementation date.
If you would like more information on the new fingerprinting requirement, you can visit our website at
www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au/security, call us on 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or contact your industry association.
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