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Close Protection in Australia and New Zealand

Security Intelligence

Close Protection in Australia and New Zealand

A guide to close protection in Australia and New Zealand. Covers the licensing frameworks in each Australian state and New Zealand, the threat environment.

Marcus Webb, Security Operations Adviser 25 February 2026 2 min read

Australia and New Zealand share broadly similar security environments: modern, prosperous countries with professional law enforcement, low violent crime relative to comparable economies, and well-developed emergency services infrastructure. Both have experienced terrorism in recent years, and both require awareness of the licensing frameworks that govern close protection work.

Australia

Australia’s security environment is shaped by its PROBABLE national terrorism threat level, set against a generally low violent crime background. The 2024 Westfield Bondi Junction attack (6 killed) and the 2025 Bondi Beach antisemitic attack (15 killed) demonstrated that lone-actor terrorism is an active risk in major Australian cities.

For corporate travel, Australia’s major cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide) are accessible and professionally managed. Standard precautions are appropriate. Full close protection is warranted for UHNWI principals and high-profile executives, and for any visit involving significant public exposure or attendance at crowded venues.

The licensing complexity. Unlike most comparable countries, Australia has no national security licence: each state has its own regulatory framework. An operator licensed in New South Wales may not be authorised to operate in Victoria. For assignments that cross state lines, ensure your provider has appropriate licensing in each state.

New Zealand

New Zealand maintains a LOW terrorism threat level, reflecting the absence of a current specific threat rather than the impossibility of attack. The 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks (51 killed) and the 2021 Dunedin/New Lynn supermarket attack demonstrated that low-frequency lone-actor attacks are possible.

Auckland is the primary corporate destination. Wellington is the government and institutional capital. Both are accessible, low-crime cities for standard corporate travel. Full close protection is not required for most visits; discreet executive protection with secure transport is appropriate for UHNWI principals.

New Zealand’s licensing framework is governed by the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010, with Certificates of Approval issued by the Ministry of Justice. Unlike Australia, this provides a degree of national consistency.

Operational Notes

  • Both countries drive on the left
  • English is the operating language in both (with te reo Māori in New Zealand)
  • Both countries have strict biosecurity controls affecting items that can be brought in: relevant for any security equipment
  • Both have strict firearms laws: commercial CP is unarmed

For close protection services in Australia and New Zealand, see our Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland pages.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Licensing is state-by-state in Australia, not national. In New South Wales, a Class 1E Close Personal Protection licence under the Security Industry Act 1997. In Victoria, a Security Industry Registration under the Private Security Act 2004. In Queensland, a Security Licence under the Security Providers Act 1993. In Western Australia, a Security Agent’s Licence under the Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996. Verify the specific licence for any operator in any state before engagement.

Commercial close protection in Australia is effectively unarmed. Firearms for private security purposes are heavily restricted across all states following the 1996 National Firearms Agreement following the Port Arthur massacre. Police are the armed response. This is not a significant operational gap for most corporate security requirements in Australia.

Both are low-crime, well-policed environments with professional emergency services. Australia has experienced two significant terrorism incidents in 2024-2025 that have elevated its threat level to PROBABLE. New Zealand’s threat level is LOW, but the 2019 Christchurch and 2021 New Lynn attacks demonstrate that lone-actor terrorism is not absent. Both countries are significantly safer for corporate travel than most global business destinations.

Yes, where a protection team is required, because security licensing in Australia is state-based and a Certificate of Approval or equivalent is needed to operate legally. Overseas teams cannot simply accompany a principal and work without local authorisation. Arranging a licensed local provider or advance compliance is the correct approach.

Australia’s national terrorism threat level is assessed as probable, and 2024 and 2025 saw mass-casualty knife attacks in Sydney. For major public events the sensible measures are venue liaison, crowd-aware planning, and a discreet protection presence for high-profile guests rather than a heavy visible posture.
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