Private Investigators: Do Private Investigators Need to Be Registered?

Do Private Investigators in Australia need to be registered?

In Victoria, and all other states in Australia, except the ACT, all persons and companies have to be registered and licensed to work as private investigators.

Professional private investigators should be seen no differently than any other business. Many people may think an investigation firm should be secretive and shadowy but their dealings with you should be as open and transparent as any other business.

A few things to consider:

Evidence of a cheating spouse is not needed for a divorce in Australia. No-fault divorce now the law and whether your partner has cheated will not affect your divorce settlement.

You cannot conduct your own investigation as the privacy laws in Australia demand all investigation be carried out by licensed operators.

Important questions you should ask:

Have they a valid license?

All individuals need an individual investigator's license. A Security Firm's License is needed for companies, and their contractor and employees must be individually registered and licensed.

License Search

All Australian states, ( except WA and NT) have online facilities so you can check the license. Remember the ACT does not require a license.

You will find links below to the government departments and ASIC

What Experience do they have?

Ask you investigator for details of their experience. How long they have been a licensed PI? and who have they worked for?

What areas do they specialise in? Different investigators have different specialties and experience.

Discuss what kind of report you will receive - will it be written or video or both?

What is their Privacy Policy? More importantly make sure you get the fee itemised!

Do they have professional indemnity insurance?

Any reputable firm will have professional indemnity cover and should be happy to show you a copy of their policy.

Make some phone calls and spend a little time on the web before you decide, like any other purchase a little research can save you a lot of money and grief in the long term.

Private Investigator Melbourne Check the license of Private Investigators in Melbourne Australia here at Private Investigator Mellbourne