Exemption Secured: Victorian Investigators Successfully Removed from Licensing Reform Scope

A Win for Fair Regulation and Industry Advocacy

After months of sustained advocacy, strategic engagement, and collective effort, we are pleased to confirm that the Victorian Government has agreed to exempt licensed Private Investigators from the upcoming changes to Private Security licensing. The updated regulations will be formally released on Tuesday, marking a significant turning point for our profession.

This exemption preserves the right of over 1,200 investigators and small business operators to continue their work without being subjected to unnecessary and duplicative regulatory burden.

The Background: A Looming Threat

Earlier proposals under the Private Security reform framework threatened to impose new licensing requirements on Private Investigators—potentially forcing them to obtain a second (Business) licence in addition to their existing Individual Licence, simply to continue operating as subcontractors or sole traders.

This presented a costly and unnecessary barrier, particularly for:

• Sole operators,
• Independent contractors,
• New investigators trying to enter the profession.
• Single parents running their own business.

The uncertainty and financial burden of dual licensing also caused a number of highly experienced investigators to leave the industry altogether, choosing not to renew their licences in anticipation of being forced into an impractical compliance framework.
To make matters worse, some Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) capitalised on the confusion, pressuring investigators to enrol in additional qualifications under the false belief that the changes were finalised and irreversible. This misinformation caused real financial harm and undermined trust across the profession.

Coordinated Industry Action

In response, we mobilised. Investigators from all corners of the state lodged submissions to Engage Victoria, met with politicians, and built public pressure. RIVICA and many others worked behind the scenes to educate stakeholders on the implications of the proposed reform.

Key milestones included:

• Engaging directly with Ministerial offices,
• Securing media coverage through the Herald Sun,
• Gaining representation in Parliament through aligned MPs,
• Publishing informative updates to raise awareness within the profession.

Confirmation of the Exemption

We have now received official confirmation that Private Investigators will be exempted from the incoming regulatory changes.

The updated regulations, due to be released Tuesday, will reflect this exemption in writing—ensuring the continuity and viability of hundreds of investigative practices across Victoria.

Acknowledging Those Who Stood With Us

This outcome would not have been possible without the support of key individuals who contributed at critical moments. I offer my sincere thanks to:

• David Gray – For your unrelenting support and clarity throughout
• Shane Gillard – For standing beside us when few others did
• Stephen Cahill – For your leadership and guidance through our association
• Anthony Dowsley (Herald Sun) – For ensuring our industry’s voice was heard publicly
• Geoff Fagan – For your tireless work behind the scenes in research and Parliamentary engagement
• David Limbrick MP and the Libertarian Party team – For taking this fight to Parliament and using your platform to give it the attention it deserved

A Warning About Misinformation

To all investigators: please be cautious about where you get your regulatory advice.

Some RTOs incorrectly claimed the legislation was already locked in, urging practitioners to pay for new courses under false pretences. This was not only misleading—it undermined the industry’s ability to organise and respond effectively.

This exemption proves that when professionals stand together, we can challenge even the most entrenched policy narratives.

What Happens Next

While the exemption is confirmed, we urge all investigators to:

• Review the updated regulations when they are released,
• Stay alert to any conditions attached to the exemption,
• Continue to support ethical, informed representation of our industry.

We also encourage associations and operators to develop resources that keep practitioners accurately informed about their rights and obligations—particularly when regulation is in flux.

Please Share This Post

To help undo the damage caused by misinformation, I’m asking you to share this article widely.

Let’s ensure every investigator in Victoria hears the truth—especially those who:

• Enrolled in unnecessary courses,
• Were told nothing could be changed,
• Felt powerless or unsupported.

This win is not just a regulatory outcome. It’s a lesson in standing tall, staying informed, and fighting for what’s right.

Together, we’ve protected the integrity of our profession.