In Queensland, a Security Licence (Guard) is quite specific about the weapons a security guard can be licensed to possess while performing authorised security duties. It can cover a Category C shotgun – specifically a 12, 16 or 20 gauge shotgun. Category C includes semi-automatic and pump-action shotguns with a magazine capacity of no more than five rounds. It can also cover Category H handguns. For security guard duties, Queensland legislation limits the Category H firearm to at least .22 calibre and no more than .40 calibre. In practical security training, this includes revolvers such as .38 calibre revolvers and semi-automatic pistols such as 9mm pistols.

A Security Licence (Guard) can also include Category E, which covers bulletproof vests, protective body vests and ballistic body armour designed to prevent penetration by small-arms projectiles. Importantly, a Security Licence (Guard) is not a general weapons licence. QPS provides for Security Licence (Guard) endorsements for Categories C, E and H, and security guards cannot simply use other categories of weapons because they happen to work in security.

There is another very important restriction: these weapons are for security work. If you are an employee, your licence only authorises you to physically possess and use a weapon issued by your licensed security employer during a shift and while performing security duties that reasonably require the weapon – escorting cash or valuables is specifically given as an example. S

o you cannot carry your security firearm while doing unrelated duties or simply because you hold the licence. The authority follows the security duty, not the person everywhere they go.