Security Services Agreement (Australia)
This Security Services Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made on [Agreement Date] between:
[Security Company Name] (ABN [Security Company ABN], ACN [Security Company ACN], Security Industry Master Licence No. [Master Licence Number]), of [Security Company Address], [Security Company Suburb], [Security Company State] [Security Company Postcode] (the “Security Company”); and
[Client Name] (ABN [Client ABN]), of [Client Address], [Client Suburb], [Client State] [Client Postcode] (the “Client”).
The Security Company and the Client are referred to collectively as the “Parties”.
BACKGROUND
A. The Client wishes to engage the Security Company to provide security guard and patrol services at the site described in this Agreement.
B. The Security Company holds a current security industry master licence and agrees to provide those services using licensed security officers on the terms and conditions set out in this Agreement.
C. The Parties intend this Agreement to comply with the applicable state or territory Security Industry Act (including the Security Industry Act 1997 (NSW), the Private Security Act 2004 (VIC), the Security Providers Act 1993 (QLD), or the equivalent legislation in the governing jurisdiction), the Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth)), and applicable Work Health and Safety legislation.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:
1. SECURITY SERVICES
1.1 The Security Company agrees to provide the following security services (the “Services”) at the site(s) located at: [Site Address]
1.2 Services to be provided: [Services Description]
1.3 Hours of service: [Service Hours]
1.4 The Security Company will deploy a minimum of [Guard Count] licensed security officer(s) at the site during service hours. All security officers deployed under this Agreement must hold a current individual security officer licence issued by the relevant state or territory security industry regulator.
1.5 The Security Company will perform the Services with due care and skill and in accordance with applicable industry standards, the Code of Practice for the Security Industry, and the terms of the Security Company's master licence.
1.6 Any variation to the scope of Services, hours of deployment, or number of officers must be agreed in writing by both Parties before taking effect. Additional fees will apply to scope variations.
2. SECURITY INDUSTRY LICENCE AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
2.1 The Security Company warrants that it holds a current security industry master licence (No. [Master Licence Number]) issued under the applicable state or territory security industry legislation, and that all security officers deployed under this Agreement hold current individual security officer licences. The Security Company will maintain these licences for the duration of this Agreement and will immediately notify the Client if any licence is suspended, revoked, or not renewed.
2.2 The Security Company will comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including the relevant state or territory Security Industry Act, Work Health and Safety legislation (the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) model law or equivalent), the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), and any applicable Modern Awards under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) including the Security Services Industry Award 2020.
2.3 The Security Company will ensure that all security officers comply with the applicable state or territory use-of-force guidelines and do not use force except to the extent authorised by law (including the applicable state or territory security industry legislation and the criminal law of [Governing State]).
2.4 The Security Company will maintain the following insurance for the duration of this Agreement and will provide evidence of current insurance upon the Client's reasonable request: (a) public liability insurance of not less than $20,000,000 per occurrence; (b) workers' compensation insurance as required under the applicable state legislation; and (c) professional indemnity insurance as appropriate.
3. INCIDENT REPORTING AND RECORDS
3.1 The incident reporting process under this Agreement is as follows: [Incident Reporting Process]
3.2 The Security Company must maintain a daily occurrence log (DOL) or site security log for all service periods, recording guard deployment, patrol times, access and egress events, incidents, and any other material occurrences. The log must be made available to the Client on request.
3.3 The Security Company must report any incident involving use of force, injury to any person, property damage exceeding $500, or attendance by police, ambulance, or fire brigade to the Client's nominated contact immediately by telephone, followed by a written incident report within 4 hours.
3.4 The Security Company must co-operate with any investigation by the Client, police, the security industry regulator, or a WHS regulator arising from an incident at the site. Security officers must not make public statements or social media posts about any incident without the Client's prior written consent.
3.5 All records maintained under this clause must be retained for a minimum of 7 years and must be provided to the Client on termination of this Agreement.
4. WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY
4.1 Each Party must comply with all applicable Work Health and Safety legislation, including the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) model law or the equivalent state legislation applicable in [Governing State], and all regulations, codes of practice, and guidelines made under that legislation.
4.2 The Client, as the person in control of the workplace, must: (a) provide a safe work environment for security officers deployed at the site; (b) advise the Security Company of all known hazards at the site including the presence of dangerous persons, hazardous materials, or high-risk areas; and (c) consult with the Security Company regarding site-specific WHS risks and control measures before the commencement of Services.
4.3 The Security Company must: (a) ensure all security officers receive adequate training and induction for the site; (b) provide appropriate personal protective equipment; (c) report all workplace injuries, near-misses, and WHS hazards to the Client; and (d) maintain a safe system of work for its officers at the site.
4.4 The Security Company must have a documented fatigue management policy for officers working night shifts or extended hours in accordance with applicable WHS guidelines.
5. FEES AND PAYMENT
5.1 In consideration of the performance of the Services, the Client shall pay the Security Company $[Fee Amount] [Fee Period] ([GST Treatment]).
5.2 The Security Company will issue tax invoices in accordance with the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (Cth). Each invoice will include the Security Company's ABN and clearly state the GST amount or confirm the price is GST-inclusive.
5.3 The Client must pay each tax invoice within [Payment Terms] days of the invoice date by electronic funds transfer. If payment is not received by the due date, the Security Company may charge interest at 10% per annum on the overdue amount and may, after giving 7 days' written notice, suspend the Services until payment is received.
5.4 Where the Client requests services outside the agreed service hours (including public holiday coverage, event security, or emergency response), the Security Company may apply penalty rates in accordance with the Security Services Industry Award 2020, and will notify the Client of any additional costs before deploying officers outside agreed hours.
6. CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY
6.1 The Security Company must keep confidential all information about the Client's business operations, security arrangements, site access systems, staff, customers, and incident history obtained in the course of performing the Services. This obligation continues for 2 years after termination of this Agreement.
6.2 Security officers must not disclose any information about the Client's premises, staff, or customers to third parties without the Client's prior written consent, except as required by law or court order.
6.3 The Security Company must handle all personal information collected in the course of providing Services — including CCTV footage, incident reports, and access records — in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). CCTV footage must be retained only for the period required by law or agreed with the Client and must be securely deleted thereafter.
6.4 On termination, the Security Company must return all site access materials, keys, access cards, and equipment belonging to the Client within 2 business days, and must ensure all security officers are debriefed regarding their continuing confidentiality obligations.
7. TERM AND TERMINATION
7.1 This Agreement commences on [Commencement Date] for an initial term of [Initial Term Months] months. Following the initial term, this Agreement continues on a month-to-month basis until terminated in accordance with this clause.
7.2 Either Party may terminate this Agreement after the initial term by giving [Notice Period] days' written notice to the other Party.
7.3 The Client may terminate this Agreement immediately by written notice if: (a) the Security Company's master licence is suspended or revoked; (b) an individual security officer deployed to the Client's site commits a criminal offence, a serious breach of the site rules, or an act of misconduct; or (c) the Security Company commits a material breach and fails to remedy it within 7 days of written notice.
7.4 The Security Company may terminate this Agreement immediately by written notice if the Client fails to pay any invoice within 14 days of the due date after receipt of a written demand.
7.5 On termination for any reason, the Client must pay all outstanding fees for Services performed up to the effective date of termination. Termination does not affect any accrued rights or liabilities of either Party.
8. AUSTRALIAN CONSUMER LAW AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
8.1 Nothing in this Agreement excludes, restricts, or modifies any consumer guarantee, right, or remedy that cannot lawfully be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth)) or any other applicable legislation.
8.2 To the extent permitted by law, the Security Company's aggregate liability to the Client for all claims arising under or in connection with this Agreement is limited to the fees paid by the Client to the Security Company in the 3-month period preceding the event giving rise to the claim.
8.3 The Security Company is not liable for: (a) theft, loss, or damage not caused by the negligence of the Security Company or its officers; (b) losses resulting from the Client's failure to disclose known hazards or security risks at the site; (c) consequential or indirect losses including loss of profits or business interruption; or (d) acts or omissions of third parties beyond the Security Company's control.
8.4 The Security Company does not guarantee the prevention of all criminal acts, theft, or security incidents. The Client acknowledges that the engagement of security services reduces but does not eliminate security risk.
9. GENERAL PROVISIONS
9.1 Independent Contractor: The Security Company is an independent contractor and not an employee, partner, or agent of the Client. The Security Company is responsible for the wages, superannuation under the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 (Cth), and workers' compensation for all security officers deployed under this Agreement.
9.2 Subcontracting: The Security Company must not subcontract the performance of the Services to a third party without the Client's prior written consent. Any approved subcontractor must hold appropriate security industry licences and comply with all terms of this Agreement.
9.3 Dispute Resolution: In the event of a dispute, the Parties must attempt to resolve the dispute through good-faith negotiation within 14 days of written notice. If not resolved, either Party may refer the matter to mediation before the Australian Disputes Centre. Complaints about licensed security operators may be lodged with the relevant state or territory security industry regulator.
9.4 Entire Agreement: This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the provision of security services and supersedes all prior representations, discussions, and agreements, whether oral or written.
9.5 Amendments: This Agreement may only be varied by a written instrument signed by both Parties.
9.6 Governing Law: This Agreement is governed by the laws of [Governing State], Australia. Each Party submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of [Governing State] and the Federal Court of Australia.
EXECUTED as an Agreement.
SECURITY COMPANY
Full name: [Security Company Name]
ABN: [Security Company ABN]
Master Licence No.: [Master Licence Number]
Address: [Security Company Address], [Security Company Suburb], [Security Company State] [Security Company Postcode]
CLIENT
Full name: [Client Name]
ABN: [Client ABN]
Address: [Client Address], [Client Suburb], [Client State] [Client Postcode]
Security Company
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
Client
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
What Is a Security Services Agreement (Australia)?
A Security Services Agreement in Australia records the security services to be provided, the fees, the service standards, and each party's obligations between the provider and the client under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).
The security industry in Australia is regulated by state and territory legislation, with each jurisdiction requiring security companies to hold a master licence and individual security officers to hold personal licences. Security Services Agreements should always record the security company's licence number, confirm that deployed officers will be individually licensed, and set out the WHS obligations of both parties.
A well-drafted Security Services Agreement protects the security company by clearly defining the scope of services, hours of deployment, incident reporting obligations, and fee payment terms. It protects the client by confirming the company's licence and insurance credentials, specifying the minimum officer deployment, documenting uniform and identification requirements, and establishing a clear process for incident reporting and escalation.
The Australia Security Services Agreement (Australia) template is suitable for static guarding, mobile patrol, crowd control, CCTV monitoring, key holder and alarm response, and access management services across all Australian states and territories, including retail, hospitality, residential, commercial, industrial, and healthcare settings.
The legal framework governing the Security Services Agreement (Australia) in Australia draws on several key statutes and regulatory bodies. Under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) regulates companies and financial services. Section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 governs company execution of documents. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) enforces the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) administers the Goods and Services Tax under the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999. The Federal Court of Australia and Supreme Courts of each state have jurisdiction over corporate disputes. Parties executing a Security Services Agreement (Australia) in Australia should confirm the document reflects current law, including any amendments enacted since the original drafting date. The Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) sets the foundational requirements.
When Do You Need a Security Services Agreement (Australia)?
A Security Services Agreement should be used whenever a business, event organiser, body corporate, or property manager engages a licensed security company on a recurring or event-specific basis. Verbal arrangements are inadequate given the legal complexity of security operations, the WHS obligations involved, and the potential for significant liability arising from security incidents.
The Australia Security Services Agreement (Australia) agreement is particularly important when: a retail, commercial, or industrial site requires ongoing static guarding; a construction site requires after-hours mobile patrol; an event requires crowd control or guest management; a body corporate engages a security company for residential building access control; and when high-value assets or vulnerable populations are involved and the security brief requires detailed documentation.
For security companies, a signed agreement before deployment protects against fee disputes, scope creep, and liability arising from the client's failure to disclose site hazards. It also demonstrates compliance with the obligations of a licensed security operator.
For clients, a written agreement confirms the security company's master licence and insurance status, establishes minimum officer numbers and deployment standards, and creates enforceable obligations for incident reporting, record-keeping, and confidentiality.
Even for one-off events, a written agreement covering the event date, officer numbers, uniform, incident reporting, and fee is strongly advisable given the public safety and legal exposure associated with crowd control and event security.
Parties in Australia should prepare a Security Services Agreement (Australia) proactively rather than waiting for a dispute to arise. Courts interpret agreements based on the written terms rather than oral representations. Under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) regulates companies and financial services. Section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 governs company execution of documents. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) enforces the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) administers the Goods and Services Tax under the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999. The Federal Court of Australia and Supreme Courts of each state have jurisdiction over corporate disputes. Where the transaction involves regulated activities, prior approval from the relevant authority may be required before execution.
What to Include in Your Security Services Agreement (Australia)
A thorough Australian Security Services Agreement should include the following key elements:
Security company master licence number: Confirmation that the security company holds a current master licence (or security firm licence) under the applicable state or territory Security Industry Act, and the licence number for verification.
Site description: The full address and description of all premises or sites to be covered under the agreement, including specific zones, access points, and any areas excluded from the scope.
Services description: A detailed description of all security services — static guarding, mobile patrol, crowd control, CCTV monitoring, key holding, alarm response — including the minimum number of licensed officers deployed at each site.
Hours of service: Specific days and hours of deployment, including arrangements for after-hours, on-call, or emergency response coverage.
Uniform and identification: The uniform specification and requirement for officers to visibly display their individual security licence numbers at all times.
Incident reporting: The process for documenting and reporting incidents — including use of force, injury, property damage, and police attendance — with timeframes and communication channels specified.
Fees and Award compliance: The agreed fee structure (hourly, weekly, or fixed), GST treatment, payment terms, and arrangements for public holiday and penalty-rate coverage in accordance with the Security Services Industry Award 2020.
WHS obligations: Both parties' duties under the applicable Work Health and Safety Act, including hazard disclosure, consultation, and fatigue management for night-shift officers.
Privacy and CCTV: Obligations under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and Australian Privacy Principles for handling CCTV footage and personal information, including retention and deletion periods.
Insurance: The security company's obligation to maintain public liability insurance (minimum $20 million), workers' compensation insurance, and professional indemnity insurance.
Term and termination: The initial contract term, notice period for termination, and the grounds for immediate termination (including licence revocation or officer misconduct).
Governing law: The state or territory whose laws govern the agreement.
Additional compliance elements for a Security Services Agreement (Australia) used in Australia include: Under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) regulates companies and financial services. Section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 governs company execution of documents. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) enforces the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) administers the Goods and Services Tax under the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999. The Federal Court of Australia and Supreme Courts of each state have jurisdiction over corporate disputes. Forms-legal.com provides this template as a starting point for Australia-compliant documentation.
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Reference this free template in an article, syllabus, or research note:
Forms Legal. (2026). Security Services Agreement (Australia) (Australia) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/australia/business/services/security-services-agreement-australia
"Security Services Agreement (Australia) (Australia)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/australia/business/services/security-services-agreement-australia.
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author = {{Forms Legal}},
title = {Security Services Agreement (Australia) (Australia)},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/australia/business/services/security-services-agreement-australia}},
note = {Free legal document template. Based on Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)}
}Also available for these jurisdictions:
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. All individuals performing security work for payment in Australia must hold a current individual security officer licence issued by the relevant state or territory regulator. Security companies must also hold a master licence (sometimes called a security firm licence). In New South Wales, these licences are issued by the Security Licensing and Enforcement Directorate (SLED) under the Security Industry Act 1997 (NSW). In Victoria, licensing is administered under the Private Security Act 2004 (VIC). Queensland operates under the Security Providers Act 1993 (QLD). Deploying or engaging unlicensed security personnel is a criminal offence. Always request a copy of the security company's master licence and verify individual officers' licence numbers through the relevant regulator's online portal before signing an agreement.
The Security Services Industry Award 2020 is a Modern Award under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) that sets minimum pay rates and conditions for security officers employed in the Australian security industry. It covers full-time, part-time, and casual employees and sets minimum hourly rates by classification, overtime rates, penalty rates for evening, night, weekend, and public holiday work, and allowances for equipment, first aid, and uniforms. As at 2025, minimum rates for a basic security officer range from approximately $23 to $28 per hour for ordinary hours, significantly higher for night shifts and weekends. Security companies must factor Award obligations into their fee proposals. Clients should be cautious of security contracts priced so low that Award compliance would be impossible. Under Australia law, Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), parties should seek independent legal advice from a qualified lawyer to confirm compliance with all applicable requirements. Under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) regulates companies and financial services. Section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 governs company execution of documents. Forms-legal.com provides this template as a starting point for Australia-compliant documentation.
Security guards in Australia have no greater power of arrest than an ordinary member of the public under common law, except where specific legislation grants additional powers (such as crowd controllers at licensed premises under state liquor licensing legislation). Under the common law citizen's arrest, a person may detain another if they reasonably believe that person has committed an offence and it is necessary to prevent their escape. The lawful use of force is strictly limited — force must be no more than is reasonably necessary in the circumstances. Excessive force can result in criminal charges for assault or the civil tort of battery, and can expose the security company to significant liability. Security officers are trained in use-of-force continuum principles, and incident reporting of any use of force is mandatory. A Security Services Agreement should address use-of-force policy explicitly.
Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) model law (or the equivalent legislation in the applicable state or territory), a person who manages or controls a workplace — which includes the client who owns or occupies the site — has a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the workplace is safe and without risks to the health of workers, including security officers. Clients must disclose known hazards at the site, consult with the security company on WHS risks, provide safe access to the site, and cooperate in incident investigations. A client who fails to disclose a known hazard that causes injury to a security officer may be liable under WHS legislation, regardless of their commercial agreement with the security company. Under Australia law, Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), parties should seek independent legal advice from a qualified lawyer to confirm compliance with all applicable requirements. Under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) regulates companies and financial services. Section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 governs company execution of documents. Forms-legal.com provides this template as a starting point for Australia-compliant documentation.
CCTV footage that captures images of identifiable individuals constitutes personal information under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). Businesses that collect CCTV footage must handle it in accordance with the APPs — including by notifying individuals that they are being filmed (usually by signage at entry points), using the footage only for the purpose it was collected, securing it against unauthorised access, and retaining it only for as long as is necessary or required by law. The Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 (Cth) strengthens individual rights from 2025. In some states, specific surveillance device legislation (such as the Surveillance Devices Act 2007 (NSW)) may also apply to CCTV systems. A Security Services Agreement should address CCTV data retention periods, access rights, and deletion obligations.
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.Full disclaimer
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