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Reasons why a security licence is rejected

Offences

You are unable to get a licence if you:

  • are not 18 years or older
  • have been sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 3 years or more
  • have been admitted to and detained in a secure mental health unit for more than 3 years
  • you have been found guilty, in Tasmania or elsewhere, of a prescribed offence other than a minor offence
  • are a person who is on parole
  • have been suspended under Section 16 of the Security and Investigations Agents Act 2002 (the Act). A licence can be suspended for a period 90 days (maximum) if the Director of Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading is satisfied it is in the public interest to do so. If a court convicts you of an offence under the Act, the court may also impose a penalty as well as suspending the licence.

You are unable to apply for a licence for a period of 10 years from:

  • the completion of the term of imprisonment, or period of detention or
  • the day you are found guilty of the relevant offence.

Prescribed offences

A prescribed offence is an offence committed in Tasmania or elsewhere involving:

Minor offences

A minor offence where a minor penalty has been imposed means an offence in relation to:

Minor penalty

Minor penalty means:

  • no penalty is imposed or
  • a penalty:
    • that does not include a term of imprisonment or
    • a fine of $500 or more

Disqualifying offences

The following are examples of prescribed offences which will disqualify an applicant for a new licence or re-applying for an existing licence

ViolenceDishonestyDrugsFirearms
  • Acts intending to cause grievous harm
  • Assaults on police
  • Attempt to murder
  • Bodily harm
  • Common assault
  • Indecent dealing with a child
  • Manslaughter
  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Sexual assault
  • Blackmail
  • Burglary
  • Deception
  • Extortion
  • Forgery
  • Obtaining or acquiring a financial advantage
  • Receiving stolen property
  • Robbery
  • Stealing
  • Cultivation
  • Manufacture and production
  • Possession
  • Receiving
  • Supply dangerous drug
  • Under the influence of a drug
  • Prohibited use of a firearm
  • Prohibited weapons
  • Unregistered firearms
  • Failure to store firearms safely
  • Possess a firearm without a licence

IMPORTANT: The application process requires you to consent to Consumer, Building and Occupational Services requesting information from the Commissioner of Police, including your national police record. If you do not disclose your previous offences, your application may be rejected and you may also be charged with providing false and misleading information.

Unsuccessful applications

  • If your licence is to be refused you will receive a letter from Consumer, Building and Occupational Services explaining the decision.
  • The letter will ask you to respond in writing within 28 days.
  • A final decision will then be made and provided to you in writing.
  • If your application has been refused you can apply to the Magistrates Court of Tasmania (Administrative Appeals Division) for a review of the decision.
  • There is no refund if your application is withdrawn or refused.
Last updated: 02 Aug 2023

This page has been produced and published by the Consumer Building and Occupational Services Division of the Department of Justice. Although every care has been taken in production, no responsibility is accepted for the accuracy, completeness, or relevance to the user's purpose of the information. Those using it for whatever purpose are advised to verify it with the relevant government department, local government body or other source and to obtain any appropriate professional advice. The Crown, its officers, employees and agents do not accept liability however arising, including liability for negligence, for any loss resulting from the use of or reliance upon the information and/or reliance on its availability at any time.