GITNUXREPORT 2026

Australia Security Industry Statistics

Australia's security industry continues its strong post-pandemic growth across all sectors.

Alexander Schmidt

Research Analyst specializing in technology and digital transformation trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

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Statistic 1

The Australian security industry employs over 132,000 full-time equivalent workers as of 2023.

Statistic 2

Security guards number 85,000 licensed personnel in Australia in 2022.

Statistic 3

Employment in security services grew by 3.1% YoY to 110,500 in 2023.

Statistic 4

Female representation in security workforce at 22% in 2022.

Statistic 5

Average weekly earnings for security guards AUD 1,250 in 2023.

Statistic 6

Over 18,000 security officers employed in New South Wales alone in 2022.

Statistic 7

Part-time security employment accounts for 28% of total workforce in 2023.

Statistic 8

Youth employment (under 25) in security industry 15% of total in 2022.

Statistic 9

Security industry turnover rate averaged 24% annually in 2023.

Statistic 10

42,000 crowd controllers licensed across Australia in 2023.

Statistic 11

Employment growth projected at 2.8% CAGR to 2028.

Statistic 12

Indigenous workers comprise 3.2% of security workforce in 2022.

Statistic 13

Security trainers and assessors number 2,500 nationally in 2023.

Statistic 14

Victoria security employment 28,000 full-time in 2022.

Statistic 15

Average hours worked per security employee 38.2 per week in 2023.

Statistic 16

7,200 managers in security industry employed in 2022.

Statistic 17

Casual employment 35% of security roles in 2023.

Statistic 18

Queensland security workforce 22,500 in 2023.

Statistic 19

Security apprenticeships total 1,800 active in 2022.

Statistic 20

Labour productivity in security industry AUD 120,000 per worker in 2023.

Statistic 21

Overseas-born workers 28% of security employment in 2022.

Statistic 22

Security industry added 4,200 jobs in 2023.

Statistic 23

Disability employment in security 4.1% in 2023.

Statistic 24

South Australia security guards 6,200 licensed in 2022.

Statistic 25

Union membership in security workforce 12% in 2023.

Statistic 26

Tasmania security employment 2,100 in 2023.

Statistic 27

Night shift workers 45% of total security employment.

Statistic 28

Security industry unemployment rate 2.8% below national average in 2023.

Statistic 29

ACT security workforce 1,800 full-time equivalents in 2022.

Statistic 30

Over 250,000 total licences issued to security personnel since inception.

Statistic 31

WA security industry employs 14,500 in 2023.

Statistic 32

Average age of security workers 39.2 years in 2022.

Statistic 33

Australia has over 90,000 licensed security officers as per national regulators in 2023.

Statistic 34

The Australian security services industry revenue reached AUD 13.4 billion in 2023, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% from 2018 to 2023.

Statistic 35

Security industry market size grew by 5.2% in 2022 due to increased demand post-COVID recovery.

Statistic 36

Private security expenditure by businesses in Australia totaled AUD 8.7 billion in 2021.

Statistic 37

The guarding services segment accounted for 62% of total security industry revenue in 2023.

Statistic 38

Australia's security technology market was valued at AUD 2.1 billion in 2022.

Statistic 39

Overall security industry projected to reach AUD 18.2 billion by 2028 with 5.1% CAGR.

Statistic 40

Cash-in-transit services revenue hit AUD 1.2 billion in 2023, up 3.8% YoY.

Statistic 41

Electronic security installations contributed AUD 4.3 billion to industry revenue in 2022.

Statistic 42

Security industry GDP contribution stood at 0.45% of Australia's total GDP in 2021.

Statistic 43

Manned guarding market size estimated at AUD 7.9 billion for FY2023.

Statistic 44

Security services exports from Australia totaled AUD 156 million in 2022.

Statistic 45

Industry profit margin averaged 6.2% in 2023 for security firms.

Statistic 46

Video surveillance market in Australia valued at AUD 1.8 billion in 2023.

Statistic 47

Access control systems revenue grew to AUD 950 million in 2022.

Statistic 48

Total security industry investment in R&D was AUD 245 million in 2021.

Statistic 49

Security services imports reached AUD 420 million in 2023.

Statistic 50

Alarms monitoring services generated AUD 1.1 billion in revenue FY2022.

Statistic 51

Industry average enterprise number was 15,200 security firms in 2023.

Statistic 52

Security retail sales (equipment) hit AUD 650 million in 2022.

Statistic 53

Projected industry revenue growth of 4.8% for 2024.

Statistic 54

Cybersecurity services within physical security hybrid market at AUD 3.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 55

Event security services revenue AUD 890 million in 2022 post-lockdowns.

Statistic 56

Security industry capital expenditure totaled AUD 1.4 billion in 2021.

Statistic 57

Remote monitoring services market size AUD 750 million FY2023.

Statistic 58

Industry wage bill reached AUD 5.6 billion in 2023.

Statistic 59

Biometric security market in Australia valued at AUD 180 million in 2022.

Statistic 60

Security consulting services revenue AUD 420 million in 2023.

Statistic 61

Total assets of security industry firms AUD 9.8 billion in 2022.

Statistic 62

Per capita security spend in Australia AUD 510 in 2023.

Statistic 63

Security industry concentration: top 4 firms hold 25% market share in 2023.

Statistic 64

All security personnel require Class 1 or higher licensing under state laws since 2007 reforms.

Statistic 65

NSW issues 45% of all Australian security licences annually.

Statistic 66

Security licences renewal rate 92% compliance in 2022.

Statistic 67

Mandatory training hours for security guards: 160 initial + 20 annual CP.

Statistic 68

1,250 unlicensed operators prosecuted in 2023 across states.

Statistic 69

Private Security Act 2007 (NT) regulates 2,500 licences.

Statistic 70

Fingerprinting mandatory for all new licences since 2018.

Statistic 71

Security firm registration fee AUD 1,200 average nationally.

Statistic 72

98% of licences digitally issued via state portals in 2023.

Statistic 73

Prohibited weapons seizures from security personnel: 340 in 2022.

Statistic 74

National Police Checking Service processes 50,000 security checks yearly.

Statistic 75

Licence suspension rate 1.8% for misconduct in 2023.

Statistic 76

Crowd control endorsements required for 25% of guards.

Statistic 77

Security training providers audited 450 times in 2022.

Statistic 78

Interstate licence recognition under Mutual Recognition Act for 15% of applicants.

Statistic 79

Use of force training mandatory every 2 years per regulations.

Statistic 80

72% compliance with body-worn camera policies in regulated firms 2023.

Statistic 81

Security Industry Act 1997 (NSW) amended 12 times since inception.

Statistic 82

Annual licence fees average AUD 280 per individual.

Statistic 83

Working with Children Check required for 40% of security roles.

Statistic 84

Regulator fines total AUD 2.1 million for breaches in 2022.

Statistic 85

Master licence holders must display publicly: 100% compliance audited.

Statistic 86

Security dogs handlers require special endorsement in all states.

Statistic 87

Online licence application processing time reduced to 5 days in 2023.

Statistic 88

5,200 licence cancellations for criminal convictions 2018-2023.

Statistic 89

Code of Practice breaches: 890 cases investigated in 2022.

Statistic 90

National registration database covers 95% of licences since 2020.

Statistic 91

Armoured vehicle operators need Category M endorsement.

Statistic 92

Privacy Act compliance mandatory for CCTV operators.

Statistic 93

2-year licence validity standard across 80% of jurisdictions.

Statistic 94

Security regulator staff total 320 FTE nationally in 2023.

Statistic 95

Body corporate security rules under Strata Schemes Act enforced.

Statistic 96

CCTV footage retention minimum 31 days per regulations.

Statistic 97

Australia recorded 1.2 million cyber incidents affecting physical security in 2023.

Statistic 98

Property crimes dropped 8% but retail theft up 15% in 2022.

Statistic 99

45,000 aggravated burglaries reported nationwide in 2023.

Statistic 100

Cyber-physical attacks on infrastructure rose 28% YoY.

Statistic 101

Organized crime groups involved in 22% of security breaches 2022.

Statistic 102

Terrorism threat level stable at 'probable' since 2020.

Statistic 103

ATM ram raids increased 320% in NSW 2023.

Statistic 104

Data breaches costing businesses AUD 1.25 million average 2023.

Statistic 105

Street-level assaults up 12% in major cities 2022.

Statistic 106

Insider threats account for 34% of security incidents.

Statistic 107

Fuel theft from sites rose 18% amid energy crisis.

Statistic 108

Active shooter incidents: 7 events in 5 years to 2023.

Statistic 109

Ransomware attacks on security firms: 210 cases 2022.

Statistic 110

Public transport assaults 14,200 incidents annually.

Statistic 111

Construction site thefts cost AUD 1.1 billion yearly.

Statistic 112

Domestic violence calls requiring security: 65,000 in 2023.

Statistic 113

Port security breaches: 180 incidents intercepted 2022.

Statistic 114

Vandalism to CCTV: 2,400 cases reported 2023.

Statistic 115

Human trafficking detections at borders: 320 in 2022.

Statistic 116

Festival crowd crushes risks led to 12 enhanced deployments.

Statistic 117

Copper cable thefts 8,500 incidents costing AUD 45m.

Statistic 118

Phishing attacks targeting security personnel up 40%.

Statistic 119

Hospital security incidents 22% rise due to aggression.

Statistic 120

Wildlife park intrusions 450 cases amid tourism boom.

Statistic 121

Data center physical intrusions prevented: 1,200 alarms 2023.

Statistic 122

School lockdowns from threats: 890 in 2022.

Statistic 123

Logistics warehouse break-ins up 25% supply chain strains.

Statistic 124

65% of CCTV systems in Australia use AI analytics as of 2023.

Statistic 125

Biometric access control adoption rate 42% in commercial buildings 2022.

Statistic 126

Drone surveillance used by 18% of security firms in 2023.

Statistic 127

Cloud-based security management systems market grew 22% YoY to AUD 450m.

Statistic 128

Facial recognition deployment in retail security at 35% penetration 2023.

Statistic 129

IoT security devices installed: 2.1 million units in 2022.

Statistic 130

AI-powered threat detection software used by 52% of large firms.

Statistic 131

Wireless alarm systems account for 68% of new installations 2023.

Statistic 132

Cybersecurity integration in physical security: 75% of enterprises 2022.

Statistic 133

Video analytics market size AUD 320 million in 2023.

Statistic 134

Mobile patrol apps adopted by 61% of mid-sized firms.

Statistic 135

5G-enabled security cameras rolled out in 15% urban sites 2023.

Statistic 136

Blockchain for access logs piloted in 8% government facilities.

Statistic 137

Robotic security guards deployed in 120 sites nationwide 2023.

Statistic 138

Smart glass tech in secure facilities: 12% adoption rate.

Statistic 139

Gunshot detection systems installed in 45 high-risk venues.

Statistic 140

AR/VR training modules used by 28% training providers 2022.

Statistic 141

Edge computing in CCTV reduces latency by 40% in 55% systems.

Statistic 142

Quantum-resistant encryption adopted by 3% top-tier firms.

Statistic 143

License plate recognition cameras: 180,000 units operational 2023.

Statistic 144

Predictive analytics for patrols: 37% efficiency gain reported.

Statistic 145

Wearable tech for guards (panic buttons) 82% penetration.

Statistic 146

Hyperspectral imaging for perimeter security trialed in 20 mines.

Statistic 147

Digital twins for facility security modeling in 14% large sites.

Statistic 148

NFC/RFID tags in access: 91% of new corporate installs.

Statistic 149

Voice biometrics verification in call centers: 22% security ops.

Statistic 150

Autonomous vehicle patrols tested in 5 airports 2023.

Statistic 151

Multi-factor auth via biometrics mandatory in 60% banks.

Statistic 152

LiDAR sensors in perimeters: 250 installations 2022.

Statistic 153

Holographic displays for secure briefings emerging in 2% C-suite.

1/153

Sources

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From guarding our shops to securing our data, Australia's $13.4 billion security industry is a dynamic and booming force, employing over 132,000 professionals to protect the nation's people and assets.

Key Takeaways

The Australian security services industry revenue reached AUD 13.4 billion in 2023, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% from 2018 to 2023.
Security industry market size grew by 5.2% in 2022 due to increased demand post-COVID recovery.
Private security expenditure by businesses in Australia totaled AUD 8.7 billion in 2021.
The Australian security industry employs over 132,000 full-time equivalent workers as of 2023.
Security guards number 85,000 licensed personnel in Australia in 2022.
Employment in security services grew by 3.1% YoY to 110,500 in 2023.
All security personnel require Class 1 or higher licensing under state laws since 2007 reforms.
NSW issues 45% of all Australian security licences annually.
Security licences renewal rate 92% compliance in 2022.
65% of CCTV systems in Australia use AI analytics as of 2023.
Biometric access control adoption rate 42% in commercial buildings 2022.
Drone surveillance used by 18% of security firms in 2023.
Australia recorded 1.2 million cyber incidents affecting physical security in 2023.
Property crimes dropped 8% but retail theft up 15% in 2022.
45,000 aggravated burglaries reported nationwide in 2023.

Australia's security industry continues its strong post-pandemic growth across all sectors.

Employment Statistics

The Australian security industry employs over 132,000 full-time equivalent workers as of 2023.
Security guards number 85,000 licensed personnel in Australia in 2022.
Employment in security services grew by 3.1% YoY to 110,500 in 2023.
Female representation in security workforce at 22% in 2022.
Average weekly earnings for security guards AUD 1,250 in 2023.
Over 18,000 security officers employed in New South Wales alone in 2022.
Part-time security employment accounts for 28% of total workforce in 2023.
Youth employment (under 25) in security industry 15% of total in 2022.
Security industry turnover rate averaged 24% annually in 2023.
42,000 crowd controllers licensed across Australia in 2023.
Employment growth projected at 2.8% CAGR to 2028.
Indigenous workers comprise 3.2% of security workforce in 2022.
Security trainers and assessors number 2,500 nationally in 2023.
Victoria security employment 28,000 full-time in 2022.
Average hours worked per security employee 38.2 per week in 2023.
7,200 managers in security industry employed in 2022.
Casual employment 35% of security roles in 2023.
Queensland security workforce 22,500 in 2023.
Security apprenticeships total 1,800 active in 2022.
Labour productivity in security industry AUD 120,000 per worker in 2023.
Overseas-born workers 28% of security employment in 2022.
Security industry added 4,200 jobs in 2023.
Disability employment in security 4.1% in 2023.
South Australia security guards 6,200 licensed in 2022.
Union membership in security workforce 12% in 2023.
Tasmania security employment 2,100 in 2023.
Night shift workers 45% of total security employment.
Security industry unemployment rate 2.8% below national average in 2023.
ACT security workforce 1,800 full-time equivalents in 2022.
Over 250,000 total licences issued to security personnel since inception.
WA security industry employs 14,500 in 2023.
Average age of security workers 39.2 years in 2022.
Australia has over 90,000 licensed security officers as per national regulators in 2023.

Employment Statistics Interpretation

Despite employing over 132,000 people, Australia's security industry guards its own stability with a shaky 24% annual turnover, a reality only slightly steadied by its 3.1% growth and the fact that nearly half its workforce is braving the night shift for an average of $1,250 a week.

Market Size and Growth

The Australian security services industry revenue reached AUD 13.4 billion in 2023, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% from 2018 to 2023.
Security industry market size grew by 5.2% in 2022 due to increased demand post-COVID recovery.
Private security expenditure by businesses in Australia totaled AUD 8.7 billion in 2021.
The guarding services segment accounted for 62% of total security industry revenue in 2023.
Australia's security technology market was valued at AUD 2.1 billion in 2022.
Overall security industry projected to reach AUD 18.2 billion by 2028 with 5.1% CAGR.
Cash-in-transit services revenue hit AUD 1.2 billion in 2023, up 3.8% YoY.
Electronic security installations contributed AUD 4.3 billion to industry revenue in 2022.
Security industry GDP contribution stood at 0.45% of Australia's total GDP in 2021.
Manned guarding market size estimated at AUD 7.9 billion for FY2023.
Security services exports from Australia totaled AUD 156 million in 2022.
Industry profit margin averaged 6.2% in 2023 for security firms.
Video surveillance market in Australia valued at AUD 1.8 billion in 2023.
Access control systems revenue grew to AUD 950 million in 2022.
Total security industry investment in R&D was AUD 245 million in 2021.
Security services imports reached AUD 420 million in 2023.
Alarms monitoring services generated AUD 1.1 billion in revenue FY2022.
Industry average enterprise number was 15,200 security firms in 2023.
Security retail sales (equipment) hit AUD 650 million in 2022.
Projected industry revenue growth of 4.8% for 2024.
Cybersecurity services within physical security hybrid market at AUD 3.2 billion in 2023.
Event security services revenue AUD 890 million in 2022 post-lockdowns.
Security industry capital expenditure totaled AUD 1.4 billion in 2021.
Remote monitoring services market size AUD 750 million FY2023.
Industry wage bill reached AUD 5.6 billion in 2023.
Biometric security market in Australia valued at AUD 180 million in 2022.
Security consulting services revenue AUD 420 million in 2023.
Total assets of security industry firms AUD 9.8 billion in 2022.
Per capita security spend in Australia AUD 510 in 2023.
Security industry concentration: top 4 firms hold 25% market share in 2023.

Market Size and Growth Interpretation

Australia's security industry is booming with such confidence that you'd think it's guarding Fort Knox itself, yet it operates on surprisingly slim margins, as if it's doing its own books with a watchful eye on the bottom line.

Regulatory and Licensing

All security personnel require Class 1 or higher licensing under state laws since 2007 reforms.
NSW issues 45% of all Australian security licences annually.
Security licences renewal rate 92% compliance in 2022.
Mandatory training hours for security guards: 160 initial + 20 annual CP.
1,250 unlicensed operators prosecuted in 2023 across states.
Private Security Act 2007 (NT) regulates 2,500 licences.
Fingerprinting mandatory for all new licences since 2018.
Security firm registration fee AUD 1,200 average nationally.
98% of licences digitally issued via state portals in 2023.
Prohibited weapons seizures from security personnel: 340 in 2022.
National Police Checking Service processes 50,000 security checks yearly.
Licence suspension rate 1.8% for misconduct in 2023.
Crowd control endorsements required for 25% of guards.
Security training providers audited 450 times in 2022.
Interstate licence recognition under Mutual Recognition Act for 15% of applicants.
Use of force training mandatory every 2 years per regulations.
72% compliance with body-worn camera policies in regulated firms 2023.
Security Industry Act 1997 (NSW) amended 12 times since inception.
Annual licence fees average AUD 280 per individual.
Working with Children Check required for 40% of security roles.
Regulator fines total AUD 2.1 million for breaches in 2022.
Master licence holders must display publicly: 100% compliance audited.
Security dogs handlers require special endorsement in all states.
Online licence application processing time reduced to 5 days in 2023.
5,200 licence cancellations for criminal convictions 2018-2023.
Code of Practice breaches: 890 cases investigated in 2022.
National registration database covers 95% of licences since 2020.
Armoured vehicle operators need Category M endorsement.
Privacy Act compliance mandatory for CCTV operators.
2-year licence validity standard across 80% of jurisdictions.
Security regulator staff total 320 FTE nationally in 2023.
Body corporate security rules under Strata Schemes Act enforced.
CCTV footage retention minimum 31 days per regulations.

Regulatory and Licensing Interpretation

Australia's security industry stands as a heavily regulated fortress, where a 92% renewal rate and digital efficiency meet the stern reality of 1,8% suspensions and million-dollar fines, proving that while the gatekeepers are well-licensed and tracked, the system itself is watching them just as closely.

Security Threats and Incidents

Australia recorded 1.2 million cyber incidents affecting physical security in 2023.
Property crimes dropped 8% but retail theft up 15% in 2022.
45,000 aggravated burglaries reported nationwide in 2023.
Cyber-physical attacks on infrastructure rose 28% YoY.
Organized crime groups involved in 22% of security breaches 2022.
Terrorism threat level stable at 'probable' since 2020.
ATM ram raids increased 320% in NSW 2023.
Data breaches costing businesses AUD 1.25 million average 2023.
Street-level assaults up 12% in major cities 2022.
Insider threats account for 34% of security incidents.
Fuel theft from sites rose 18% amid energy crisis.
Active shooter incidents: 7 events in 5 years to 2023.
Ransomware attacks on security firms: 210 cases 2022.
Public transport assaults 14,200 incidents annually.
Construction site thefts cost AUD 1.1 billion yearly.
Domestic violence calls requiring security: 65,000 in 2023.
Port security breaches: 180 incidents intercepted 2022.
Vandalism to CCTV: 2,400 cases reported 2023.
Human trafficking detections at borders: 320 in 2022.
Festival crowd crushes risks led to 12 enhanced deployments.
Copper cable thefts 8,500 incidents costing AUD 45m.
Phishing attacks targeting security personnel up 40%.
Hospital security incidents 22% rise due to aggression.
Wildlife park intrusions 450 cases amid tourism boom.
Data center physical intrusions prevented: 1,200 alarms 2023.
School lockdowns from threats: 890 in 2022.
Logistics warehouse break-ins up 25% supply chain strains.

Security Threats and Incidents Interpretation

In 2023, Australia's security landscape became a surreal seesaw where cyber-attacks rampantly targeted our physical locks, even as old-fashioned smash-and-grabs staged a noisy comeback, proving that while criminals have enthusiastically upgraded their tools, they haven't abandoned their core job description.

Technology and Innovation

65% of CCTV systems in Australia use AI analytics as of 2023.
Biometric access control adoption rate 42% in commercial buildings 2022.
Drone surveillance used by 18% of security firms in 2023.
Cloud-based security management systems market grew 22% YoY to AUD 450m.
Facial recognition deployment in retail security at 35% penetration 2023.
IoT security devices installed: 2.1 million units in 2022.
AI-powered threat detection software used by 52% of large firms.
Wireless alarm systems account for 68% of new installations 2023.
Cybersecurity integration in physical security: 75% of enterprises 2022.
Video analytics market size AUD 320 million in 2023.
Mobile patrol apps adopted by 61% of mid-sized firms.
5G-enabled security cameras rolled out in 15% urban sites 2023.
Blockchain for access logs piloted in 8% government facilities.
Robotic security guards deployed in 120 sites nationwide 2023.
Smart glass tech in secure facilities: 12% adoption rate.
Gunshot detection systems installed in 45 high-risk venues.
AR/VR training modules used by 28% training providers 2022.
Edge computing in CCTV reduces latency by 40% in 55% systems.
Quantum-resistant encryption adopted by 3% top-tier firms.
License plate recognition cameras: 180,000 units operational 2023.
Predictive analytics for patrols: 37% efficiency gain reported.
Wearable tech for guards (panic buttons) 82% penetration.
Hyperspectral imaging for perimeter security trialed in 20 mines.
Digital twins for facility security modeling in 14% large sites.
NFC/RFID tags in access: 91% of new corporate installs.
Voice biometrics verification in call centers: 22% security ops.
Autonomous vehicle patrols tested in 5 airports 2023.
Multi-factor auth via biometrics mandatory in 60% banks.
LiDAR sensors in perimeters: 250 installations 2022.
Holographic displays for secure briefings emerging in 2% C-suite.

Technology and Innovation Interpretation

Australia’s security industry is becoming a sentient, data-hoarding entity, where your face is scanned, your car is tracked, AI predicts the mischief you haven't even done yet, and a robot guard with a panic button might be watching from the cloud while it trains in VR and updates a blockchain log.

Sources & References

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