Yes. In most Australian states, repairing roller shutters requires at least one trade licence.
The specific licence depends on the type of work and the state you are in. In NSW, anyone who installs, repairs or maintains roller shutters as security equipment must hold a security licence under the Security Industry Act 1997. Motorised shutters add an electrical licence on top.
This article breaks down the licensing requirements for roller shutter repairs across Australia, what to look for when hiring a repairer, and why it matters for your warranty and insurance.
Fix My Shutters holds all required licences for roller shutter repairs across Sydney. Every technician carries electrical disconnect/reconnect certification, a white card, and the appropriate security licence for shutter work.
NSW has the most specific requirements. The Security Licensing and Enforcement Directorate (SLED), part of NSW Police, classifies roller shutters as security equipment.
Under the Security Industry Act 1997, anyone who sells, installs, repairs or advises on security equipment needs a security licence. For roller shutter repairs, two licence classes apply.
A handyman or general builder who fixes your roller shutter without a 2C licence is operating illegally in NSW. The penalties are significant, and any work done without the correct licence may void your insurance claim if something goes wrong.
You can verify a security licence through the NSW Police SLED online portal. Ask your repairer for their licence number before any work starts.
Licensing requirements differ across Australia. Some states regulate roller shutters under security equipment laws, while others focus only on the electrical component.
| State | Security licence required? | Electrical licence required? | Key regulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | Yes, Class 2C | Yes, for motorised units | Security Industry Act 1997 |
| Victoria | Yes, for security shutters | Yes, for motorised units | Private Security Act 2004 |
| Queensland | Yes | Yes, for motorised units | Security Providers Act 1993 |
| South Australia | Varies by work type | Yes, mandatory for all electrical | Security and Investigation Industry Act 1995 |
| Western Australia | Yes, for security equipment | Yes, for motorised units | Security and Related Activities Act 1996 |
| Tasmania | Check with Consumer Affairs | Yes, for motorised units | Security and Investigations Agents Act 2002 |
The common thread across every state: if the roller shutter has a motor, an electrical licence is always required for any work on the wiring, motor or control system. All electrical work on roller shutters must comply with AS/NZS 3000, the Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules.
Most roller shutters installed in Australian homes in the last 15 years are electric. The motor, wiring and control unit are all classified as electrical work under the Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000).
An unlicensed person working on the electrical components of a roller shutter creates several problems.
A qualified roller shutter repairer holds electrical disconnect/reconnect certification at minimum. This allows them to safely isolate the motor, complete the mechanical repair, and reconnect without calling a separate electrician.
Not every roller shutter job requires a licensed tradesperson. Some basic maintenance tasks are safe for homeowners to handle.
Maintenance you can do yourself:
Repairs that require a licence:
The line is straightforward. If the repair involves electricity, springs under tension, or the shutter's security function, it needs a licensed repairer. This is also why DIY roller shutter repairs often cost more than you think, once you factor in voided warranties and the cost of fixing a botched job.
Before booking any roller shutter repair, ask for the licence number. A legitimate repairer will provide it without hesitation. Here is how to choose a qualified roller shutter repairer in NSW:
Using an unlicensed repairer is a risk that falls on the homeowner, not just the tradesperson. The consequences extend beyond a dodgy repair job.
The price difference between a licensed and unlicensed repairer is rarely more than $50 to $100. The risk of voided insurance alone makes that gap irrelevant.
Fix My Shutters has been repairing roller shutters across Sydney for over 15 years. Every technician holds the required security and electrical credentials for the work they perform.
When you book a repair with a licensed operator, you get a proper invoice with licence numbers, a warranty on the work, and the knowledge that the job meets the legal standard.
Need a roller shutter repaired in Sydney? Contact Fix My Shutters for a quote. Licensed, insured, and carrying parts for all major brands. Same-day emergency call-outs available.
Yes. In most states, installing roller shutters requires a security licence because they are classified as security equipment. If the shutters are motorised, an electrical licence is also required for the wiring and motor connection. The specific licence class varies by state.
Roller shutters used for security should meet AS/NZS 5039, which covers security screen doors and security window guards. The electrical components of motorised shutters must comply with AS/NZS 3000, the Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules. These standards set the minimum requirements for materials, construction, and installation.
Only for basic maintenance like cleaning tracks or tightening screws. Any work on the motor, wiring, springs, or the shutter's security function requires a trade licence. In NSW, a handyman without a Class 2C security licence cannot legally repair a roller shutter that serves a security purpose.
Your home insurance will almost certainly exclude the damage. Insurers require that electrical work is performed by a licensed electrician who issues a Certificate of Compliance. Without that certificate, any resulting fire or property damage becomes your financial responsibility.
There is no mandatory government inspection schedule for residential roller shutters. However, annual roller shutter safety checks by a licensed technician are recommended to catch worn components, check motor and wiring condition, and confirm the shutter still meets safety standards.
Licensed roller shutter repairs typically range from $150 for minor adjustments to $800 or more for motor replacements. For a detailed breakdown, see how much roller shutter repairs cost in Australia. The price gap between licensed and unlicensed repairers is usually $50 to $100, which is negligible compared to the risk of voided insurance or warranty.
