How to Hire a Security Company
10 essential things every Australian business should check before engaging a security provider. Protect your business, your people, and your reputation.
1. Verify Their Security Licence
Every security company and individual guard must hold a valid Queensland security licence issued by the Office of Fair Trading. Ask for their licence number and verify it online.
✓ Do
- Ask for the company's master licence number
- Verify individual guard licences on the QLD Gov website
- Check the licence covers the type of service you need
✗ Don't
- Hire anyone who can't produce a valid licence
- Assume all licences cover all security activities
2. Check Insurance Coverage
A reputable security company should carry comprehensive insurance including public liability (minimum $10 million recommended), professional indemnity, and workers' compensation.
✓ Do
- Request a Certificate of Currency for public liability insurance
- Ensure coverage is at least $10 million
- Verify workers' compensation is current
✗ Don't
- Accept verbal assurances — always get documentation
- Hire companies with inadequate or expired insurance
3. Confirm Fair Work Compliance
The company must comply with the Security Services Industry Award (MA000016) and all Fair Work Australia obligations. This protects you from accessorial liability.
✓ Do
- Ask how they ensure award compliance
- Check they pay superannuation and proper penalty rates
- Verify they provide proper employment contracts
✗ Don't
- Choose the cheapest option without understanding why it's cheaper
- Ignore potential sham contracting arrangements
4. Assess Their Experience & Specialisation
Look for a company with specific experience in your industry or security needs. A nightclub and a construction site have very different security requirements.
✓ Do
- Ask for case studies or references in your industry
- Enquire about their experience with your specific security needs
- Check how long they've been operating
✗ Don't
- Assume all security companies offer the same quality
- Hire a generalist when you need a specialist
5. Review Their Training Standards
Beyond the minimum licence requirements, quality security companies invest in ongoing training for their staff including first aid, conflict resolution, and industry-specific skills.
✓ Do
- Ask about ongoing training programs
- Check if guards hold current first aid certificates
- Enquire about specialised training (crowd control, RSA, etc.)
✗ Don't
- Accept minimum qualifications as sufficient for high-risk roles
- Overlook the importance of soft skills training
6. Evaluate Communication & Reporting
Professional security companies provide clear communication channels, regular reporting, and incident documentation. This is critical for accountability and insurance purposes.
✓ Do
- Ask about their reporting procedures and frequency
- Enquire about real-time incident notification
- Review sample incident report formats
✗ Don't
- Accept a lack of formal reporting as 'industry standard'
- Overlook the importance of documented evidence
7. Check Their Recruitment & Vetting Process
Ask how they recruit, screen, and vet their security personnel. Thorough background checks beyond the standard police check are a sign of quality.
✓ Do
- Ask about their screening process beyond criminal history checks
- Enquire about reference checks and employment verification
- Ask about drug and alcohol testing policies
✗ Don't
- Assume all companies conduct thorough vetting
- Overlook the importance of this step for your safety
8. Understand the Contract Terms
Review the service agreement carefully. Look for clear terms on pricing, notice periods, responsibilities, complaint procedures, and key performance indicators.
✓ Do
- Read the full contract before signing
- Ensure pricing is transparent with no hidden fees
- Check notice periods and cancellation terms
✗ Don't
- Sign without understanding cancellation terms
- Accept vague or ambiguous contract language
9. Ask About Technology & Equipment
Modern security companies use technology to enhance their services — GPS tracking for mobile patrols, digital incident reporting, body-worn cameras, and real-time monitoring.
✓ Do
- Ask what technology they use to support their services
- Enquire about GPS tracking for mobile patrols
- Check if they provide digital reporting platforms
✗ Don't
- Assume technology isn't important for security services
- Overlook the value of body-worn camera footage
10. Get Multiple Quotes & Compare
Don't just go with the first or cheapest quote. Get at least three quotes and compare them on value, not just price. The cheapest option often costs more in the long run.
✓ Do
- Get at least 3 quotes from reputable companies
- Compare on value, experience, and quality — not just price
- Ask questions about anything that seems too cheap
✗ Don't
- Automatically choose the cheapest option
- Ignore significant price differences without understanding why
Prosafe Security Ticks Every Box
Fully licensed, comprehensively insured, Fair Work compliant, and backed by years of experience across Southeast Queensland. We're happy to provide our licence details, insurance certificates, and client references on request.