Generally, yes – but as always, there are a few little tricks to be aware of. If you hold a current security licence from another Australian state or territory, or New Zealand, you can apply to the Queensland Office of Fair Trading (OFT) for a Queensland licence through mutual recognition. You do not simply use your interstate licence permanently in Queensland; you apply for the equivalent Queensland licence functions. OFT also provides a temporary interstate permit option for some short-term work.

The important point is that mutual recognition generally relates to the equivalent functions you are already licensed to perform – it is not an opportunity to automatically add additional Queensland licence functions. There are also particular ongoing training requirements in Queensland for crowd controllers and bodyguards. Crowd controllers must maintain compulsory refresher training, including CPR every 12 months and specified competency units every three years. Bodyguards have similar Queensland ongoing training obligations.

Therefore, if you are seeking the crowd controller or bodyguard function through mutual recognition, you need to be conscious of Queensland's ongoing training requirements and may need to provide evidence of the required current competencies. BARS Training Australia regularly assists experienced security providers with refresher and additional training, so before completing unnecessary training, we recommend checking exactly what OFT requires for the functions you are transferring.

The good news is that OFT states that you can continue working while a mutual recognition transfer application is being processed, provided your existing licence remains current, you comply with its restrictions and you retain your Queensland application payment receipt. (view more)