Private Investigator Australia

Private Investigator Australia | National Investigation Services

Magnum Investigations is a professional private investigation agency operating across Australia. Our investigators handle surveillance, background checks, infidelity investigations, missing persons, insurance matters, corporate inquiries, and more — providing discreet, lawful, and results-focused services to individuals and businesses nationwide. Call us on 1300 792 283 for a free, confidential consultation.

Investigation Services Available Across Australia

• Surveillance and covert observation
• Infidelity and relationship investigations
• Background checks and due diligence
• Missing persons and person tracing
• Process serving
• Insurance and workers compensation investigations
• Corporate and business investigations
• Child custody and family law support
• Factual investigations

We Operate Across Australia

Magnum Investigations has investigators based in major cities and regional areas across the country. Whether your matter is in a capital city or requires cross-border coverage, we can assist. Find your local team below:

• Private Investigator Sydney — NSW investigations, licensed under the Security Industry Act 1997 (NSW)
• Private Investigator Melbourne — VIC investigations, licensed for investigator activity under the Private Security Act 2004 (Vic)
• Private Investigator Brisbane — QLD investigations, licensed under the Security Providers Act 1993 (Qld)
• Private Investigator Perth — WA investigations, licensed under the Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996 (WA)
• Private Investigator Adelaide — SA investigations, licensed under the Security and Investigation Agents Act 1995 (SA)
• Private Investigator Gold Coast — QLD investigations servicing the Gold Coast and surrounds
• Private Investigator Canberra — ACT investigations, operating in compliance with applicable ACT and Commonwealth law

PI Licensing in Australia — Why It Is State-Based

Private investigator licensing in Australia is regulated at the state and territory level, not federally. Each jurisdiction has its own Act and regulator:

• NSW: Class 2E licence (Investigator) under the Security Industry Act 1997 (NSW), administered by the Security Licensing & Enforcement Directorate (SLED), NSW Police Force
• VIC: Private security licence for investigator activity under the Private Security Act 2004 (Vic), administered by Victoria Police (Licensing and Regulation Division)
• QLD: Security licence (investigator class) under the Security Providers Act 1993 (Qld), administered by the Queensland Office of Fair Trading
• WA: Private investigator licence under the Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996 (WA), administered by WA Police Licensing Services
• SA: Security and investigation agent licence under the Security and Investigation Agents Act 1995 (SA), administered by Consumer and Business Services SA
• ACT: No dedicated private investigator subclass exists; investigators operating in the ACT comply with the Security Industry Act 2003 (ACT), administered by Access Canberra, and relevant ACT and Commonwealth law

Magnum Investigations holds appropriate licensing in the jurisdictions it operates in. Our NSW master licence number is 412080174. Call 1300 792 283 to confirm licensing for your specific state or territory.

What Does a Private Investigation Cost?

Investigation costs vary depending on the nature of the matter, the jurisdictions involved, the duration of surveillance or fieldwork required, and any specialist resources needed. We do not publish set rates because every case is different. Contact us on 1300 792 283 for a free, no-obligation quote.

What Our Clients Say

"Handled a sensitive situation with complete confidentiality and professionalism." — Patience C.

"Very discreet and fast. Got me the information I wanted within 24 hours. Highly recommended." — Daniel G.

"Prompt service, professional staff. Highly recommend Magnum." — Kristen H.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are private investigators licensed in Australia?

Yes, but licensing is state-based — there is no single national PI licence. Each state and territory has its own legislation and regulator. NSW uses a Class 2E licence under the Security Industry Act 1997; VIC licenses investigators under the Private Security Act 2004; QLD under the Security Providers Act 1993; WA under the Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996; SA under the Security and Investigation Agents Act 1995. The ACT has no dedicated PI subclass but investigators must comply with applicable ACT law. Magnum holds appropriate licensing in the states and territories it operates in.

What can a private investigator legally do in Australia?

Licensed private investigators in Australia can conduct surveillance in public places, perform background checks, locate missing persons, serve legal documents, gather evidence for civil proceedings, and carry out factual investigations. What they cannot do is access private data without consent, trespass on private property, or impersonate police or government officials. Specific rules vary by state and territory legislation.

Can a private investigator gather evidence for court?

Yes. Evidence gathered by a licensed private investigator — such as surveillance footage, photographs, or factual investigation reports — can be used in civil and family law proceedings, provided it was collected lawfully. Magnum Investigations documents all findings in a format appropriate for potential use in legal proceedings. We recommend seeking independent legal advice about the admissibility of any evidence in your specific matter.

Do you operate across state borders?

Yes. Many investigations require cross-border coverage, and Magnum Investigations can coordinate fieldwork across multiple states and territories. Contact us on 1300 792 283 to discuss the jurisdictions involved in your matter and confirm current availability.

How do I choose a private investigator in Australia?

Look for a licensed operator (verify the licence is current in the relevant state), a clear written agreement before work commences, transparent reporting, and a track record of discretion. Avoid investigators who make guarantees about outcomes or are unwilling to confirm their licence details. Magnum Investigations is happy to confirm all relevant licensing and discuss your matter before any engagement.

How quickly can Magnum Investigations respond?

We can often mobilise quickly for urgent matters across our network of investigators. Contact us on 1300 792 283 to confirm current availability in your state or territory and discuss your timeframe.

Contact Magnum Investigations

To discuss your investigation needs anywhere in Australia, call 1300 792 283 or visit our contact page. You can also go directly to your nearest team: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Canberra.