Security Guards Beware: An ABN Is Not a Licence to Work – Know Your Rights and Avoid Exploitation

ATTENTION ALL SECURITY GUARDS – ESPECIALLY THOSE ON VISAS OR NEW TO THE SECURITY INDUSTRY! 

Just a reminder to everyone working in the security industry, particularly those who may be unfamiliar with Australian employment laws and security licensing requirements.

If a security company asks you to obtain your own ABN (Australian Business Number) so they can pay you as a contractor, BE VERY CAREFUL!

Operating as an independent security contractor is not as simple as obtaining an ABN and receiving payment.

Depending on your working arrangements and the state or territory in which you operate, you may also be required to have:

✅ A Security Master Licence – Not simply an individual security licence.

✅ Public Liability Insurance – Appropriate insurance coverage for the security services you provide.

✅ Workers Compensation Insurance – Where required under the applicable legislation and your business arrangements.

✅ Compliance with Taxation, Superannuation and Employment Laws – Having an ABN does not automatically make you a legitimate independent contractor.

LET'S MAKE ONE THING VERY CLEAR!

A legitimate security company employing you as a security guard does not need you to obtain an ABN to perform your duties as an employee.

Unfortunately, some operators use ABN arrangements to avoid their responsibilities, including paying Award wages, penalty rates, superannuation, leave entitlements and other employment obligations.

The result? The guard carries the financial and legal risks while the company maximises its profits.

Not every ABN arrangement is illegal. Genuine independent security contracting does exist, but it must comply with the relevant licensing, insurance, taxation and workplace laws.

TO ALL SECURITY GUARDS:

Know your rights. Understand your obligations. Don't allow yourself to be exploited simply because you are new to the industry, unfamiliar with Australian legislation or working in Australia on a visa.

And to those companies deliberately exploiting security guards through sham contracting arrangements — you are part of the reason our industry continues to struggle with poor standards, unfair competition and the exploitation of workers.

An ABN is not a loophole to avoid your legal responsibilities as an employer.

Our security industry deserves better, and so do the people working in it.

#SecurityIndustry #SecurityGuards #FairWorkAustralia #ShamContracting #SecurityLicensing #KnowYourRights #AustralianSecurityIndustry #StopWorkerExploitation