Interested in entering the industry in Tasmania as a:

• Collector?
• Investigator?
• Process Server?
• Repossession Agent?

Persons in Tasmania involved in those occupations must be licensed under the Security and Investigations Agents Act 2002 and Security and Investigations Agents Regulations 2005. The responsible regulatory agency is the Department of Justice - Consumer Building and Occupational Services.

A body corporate can apply for the activities of commercial agent and inquiry agent. An "agent body corporate" licence requires a nominated manager holding a Tasmanian licence with the same functions. Each company manager or director undertaking licensed activities must meet the criteria, however, this does not mean each director should be a licensed person, but each director will be assessed as if they are applying for a licence.

An "agent individual" licence allows the holder to employ staff; to work for himself; to operate his own business; and to work for a business or corporation.

An "employee" licence allows the holder to work for someone who holds an agent individual or an agent body corporate licence.

Part 1 Section 3 of the Act details:

• A commercial agent/sub-agent is licensed to:
  • ascertaining the whereabouts of, or repossessing, a good or chattel that is the subject of a security interest;
  • collect, request or demand payment of debts;
  • execute legal process for the enforcement of a judgment or order of a court;
  • levy distress; and
  • any other prescribed act

• A inquiry agent/sub-agent is licensed to:
  • obtain and furnish information as to
    • the personal character or actions of any person or
    • the business or occupation of any person;
  • obtain evidence for the purpose of any legal proceedings;
  • search for missing persons; and
  • any other prescribed act (refer Part 1 Section 3 of Act).

The legislation provides for competency based qualifications for commercial agents and inquiry agents who apply for full employee and agent individual licences.

Applying for a licence:

• Complete the relevant application form
• Lodge at any Service Tasmania shop with:
  • evidence you have successfully completed all the required training units (this evidence must be attached to the application form)
  • identification documents/evidence (primary and secondary)
  • a National Personal Insolvency Index (bankruptcy report) (for commercial sub-agents only)
  • 2 passport photos witnessed by an adult who has known the applicant for at least 12 months
  • the required fees.