Security Licence Lawyers Serving Nowra, Batemans Bay, the Southern Highlands, and Queanbeyan

Losing your security licence can immediately stop you from working and earning an income. In New South Wales, security licences are tightly regulated, and decisions to refuse, suspend, or cancel a licence can have serious consequences for your career in crowd control, guarding, monitoring, or security operations.

At Douglass & Ford, we assist clients with security licence appeals and regulatory matters. With over 20 years of combined criminal and licensing law experience, our lawyers provide fast, practical advice and strong representation to help you challenge adverse decisions and return to work as quickly as possible.

How our security licence lawyers can help you

We understand that your security licence is essential for your livelihood. Our focus is on resolving licensing issues efficiently and protecting your ability to work through:

• Reviewing refusal, suspension, or cancellation decisions: We assess the reasons given by NSW Police (Security Licensing & Enforcement Directorate) and identify weaknesses or appeal grounds.
• Preparing formal appeals and submissions: We draft detailed legal submissions to challenge adverse decisions and support your reinstatement.
• Representing you in hearings and reviews: We appear on your behalf in tribunal or administrative proceedings and present evidence supporting your suitability.
• Challenging “fit and proper person” findings: We address concerns relating to criminal history, AVOs, or alleged conduct that may have affected your licence.
• Advising on compliance and rectification: We help you meet any conditions required to regain or maintain your licence, including training or reporting obligations.
• Managing related criminal or AVO matters: We coordinate your licensing appeal with any ongoing criminal charges or domestic violence proceedings that may impact your application.

What can affect a security licence in NSW?

A security licence may be refused, suspended, or cancelled for a range of reasons, including:

• Criminal charges or convictions
• Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs)
• Allegations of violence, dishonesty, or drug/alcohol offences
• Failure to meet the “fit and proper person” test
• False or misleading information in an application
• Breaches of licensing conditions
• Concerns raised by police or regulatory authorities

Even allegations (not just convictions) can be considered in licensing decisions.

Types of security licence decisions you can appeal

You may be able to challenge:

• Refusal of a new security licence application
• Suspension of an existing licence
• Cancellation or revocation of a licence
• Refusal to renew a licence
• Imposition of restrictive conditions
• Disqualification from holding a licence

Each case requires careful legal analysis and tailored submissions.

The security licence appeal process in NSW

Security licensing matters are usually handled through administrative review processes, which may include:

• Internal review by NSW Police (SLED)
• Administrative appeals or reconsideration requests
• Tribunal proceedings in the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT)
• Submission of character evidence and supporting material
• Assessment of suitability and risk to public safety

Strict deadlines often apply, so acting quickly is essential.

Factors considered in security licence appeals

When reviewing your case, decision-makers may consider:

• Whether you are a “fit and proper person”
• Your criminal and AVO history
• Nature and seriousness of any alleged conduct
• Time elapsed since any incidents
• Your employment history in the security industry
• Evidence of rehabilitation or changed behaviour
• References from employers or industry professionals
• Risk to public safety

Possible outcomes of a security licence appeal

Depending on your circumstances, the outcome may include:

• Licence reinstated or granted
• Refusal or cancellation overturned
• Conditions imposed on your licence
• Appeal dismissed (licence remains suspended or cancelled)
• Requirement to reapply after a specified period

A strong legal submission can significantly improve your chances of success.

Get expert legal advice on your security licence matter

If your security licence has been refused, suspended, or cancelled, urgent legal advice can help protect your livelihood and improve your chances of reinstatement.

Call (02) 4423 4115
Email Address: 89 Plunkett St, Nowra NSW, 2541

Queanbeyan & Monaro

• Jerrabomberra
• Googong
• Bungendore
• Braidwood
• Cooma
• Surrounding Snowy Monaro district