Private security is a major industry in Australia and security services affect almost all aspects of people's lives. There are twice as many private security operatives in Australia as there are police. Following substantial growth in the last few decades, the industry has entered a period of relative stability and is now giving considerable attention to issues of consumer protection, professionalization and government regulation. The paper discusses a system of accountability that would include: (1) comprehensive licensing covering all occupations involved in security work; (2) national regulation; (3) consultative development and administration of amended legislation; (4) a national system of criminal history checks and power over licensees through an enforceable Code of Conduct; (5) mandated training standards and basic competencies; and (6) proactive regulatory agencies. Tables, references