This week, Melbourne’s leading locksmiths look at the legal requirements and the benefits of being members of the Master Locksmiths Association of Australia (MLAA).

Locksmith Legal Requirements

Under Section 6 of the Private Security Regulations Act 2016, all Melbourne locksmiths are required to be registered as Security Equipment Installers. In fact, anybody who is employed to install, repair, service or maintain security equipment must be registered to do so.

To be eligible for this registration, you must be:

  • Over 18
  • Be an Australian resident or current visa holder
  • Provide copies of police checks for any country you’ve lived in for more than a year over the past 10 years, or since turning 16
  • Not be “a prohibited person”
  • Be “a fit and proper person” – this includes medical and criminal conditions
  • Have 2 written references outlining your suitability

By law, anybody working on your security equipment installation, repair, service or maintenance must do this. And anybody who is advising you on safes must have an additional Security Advisor registration.
By law, they do not have to be members of the Master Locksmith Association of Australasia (MLAA).
But we are.

 

The MLAA provides extra protection

The MLAA is an extra provision to ensure the reliability, professionalism and ability of your locksmith. In addition to the legal requirements, MLAA memberships undertake independent and stringent competency tests.

 

Further, MLAA locksmiths are invited to attend regular re-training workshops, new product launches, and industry-led seminars to further develop their expertise.

An MLAA membership means that your locksmith has the latest, most up-to-date training, has passed the most keenly administered security tests in the country, and performs to the highest standards and ethics as outlined in the MLAA Code.

 

MLAA locksmiths are fully insured, qualified and endorsed. Membership is updated annually, so you can be sure that when your locksmith carries an MLAA registration card, they are the safest pair of hands to handle your security requirements.

 

 MLAA Code of Ethics

Our locksmiths follow the MLAA code of ethics in addition to our legal requirements. This code of ethics is simple to remember and something we hold very dear. It states that we must “contribute to the safety of the community,” and to do so with the utmost integrity and moral values across every aspect of our business. To do so, we:

  • Provide advice and services that most effectively meets our clients’ needs
  • Practice the highest confidentiality regarding client records and industry information
  • Maintain the highest skill level and knowledge base
  • Comply with relevant legislation and Association regulations.

A copy of the Code of Ethics can be found on the MLAA website here.

 

The first point means that we will never recommend you a product that we do not think you need. When our locksmiths come to you for a free on-site quote, the will work with you to address your security needs. By balancing your concerns with the latest crime statistics in your area, we can work with you to develop a specific, individual security system to match your needs. We will not recommend a catch-all solution that may leave gaps in your security.

The Take-Home Message

MLAA membership is not required by law, but we believe in its regulations and take its code of ethics as our own. No locksmith could operate for as long as we have without following its principles. We are grateful for the opportunities the MLAA provides us with to re-train, meet other industry professionals and keep up with new security devices, services and standards.
If you require a domestic, commercial, automotive or emergency locksmith, contact us today. Our mobile or emergency locksmiths can come to you and our technicians are ready to provide you with a free on-site quote to answer any of your security needs.