Free, factual, and up-to-date information on private investigations, skip tracing, OSINT, debt collection, field agents, and lost funds. Everything you need to understand, enter, and operate in these industries - in one place.
Each guide covers licensing requirements by state, applicable laws, how to get started, operational requirements, and compliance obligations.
Licensing by state, Certificate III requirements, what PIs can and cannot do, insurance, and how to build a practice.
Read the Guide →How skip tracing works, Privacy Act obligations, legal data sources, tools, and how to start a skip tracing business in Australia.
Read the Guide →Open source intelligence for investigators. Legal framework, tools, methodologies, and how to use OSINT ethically and effectively in Australia.
Read the Guide →NCCP Act, ACCC guidelines, ASIC licensing, state-by-state rules, what debt collectors can and cannot do, and how to start a compliant agency.
Read the Guide →Process serving, repossessions, field calls. Licensing by state, how to become a field agent, and building a field services business.
Read the Guide →How to start a lost funds recovery business. Where to find leads, Privacy Act obligations, fee structures, state registers, and skip tracing's role.
Read the Guide →Tracers.au is an independent industry resource committed to providing accurate, factual, and up-to-date information about Australia's investigative, mercantile, and enforcement industries. Our goal is simple: give anyone the information they need to understand these industries, enter them legally, and operate professionally.
We cover every Australian state and territory, every major industry vertical, and every key piece of legislation that applies to investigators, skip tracers, debt collectors, field agents, and lost funds professionals. All content is written by practitioners with real operational experience.
Tracers.au is part of the broader ecosystem that includes AIMPAC (Australia's leading industry association), TracerDesk (professional OSINT and investigation tools), and ThinkEdu (elite intelligence training).
Note: Tracers.au provides general information only. Always verify current licensing requirements with the relevant state regulator before commencing operations. Laws and regulations change, and this resource is updated regularly but should not be taken as legal advice.
Three platforms built specifically for Australian investigators, skip tracers, debt collectors, and field agents.
Australia's leading association for investigators, field agents, and mercantile professionals. Free CPD courses, OSINT tools, compliance training, national representation, and industry advocacy.
Explore AIMPAC45+ professional OSINT and investigation tools. MainSearch database covering Australia and New Zealand. TraceLink, SocialScan, APEX, Case Tool. Plans from $650+GST/year.
Explore TracerDeskElite OSINT, skip tracing, and cyber investigation training by Brad Lyons. CPD accredited. 1,000+ graduates. The OSCI course is the industry standard for professional investigators.
Explore ThinkEduThese federal and state laws apply across multiple industry verticals. Understanding them is not optional - it is the foundation of operating legally and professionally.
Governs the collection, use, storage, and disclosure of personal information. The 13 Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) apply to all investigators, skip tracers, and debt collectors handling personal data.
Part of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. Prohibits misleading conduct, unconscionable behaviour, and unfair practices. Critical for debt collectors and lost funds service providers.
The National Consumer Credit Protection Act regulates credit providers and debt collectors dealing with consumer credit. Requires an Australian Credit Licence for certain debt management activities.
Each state and territory has its own Surveillance Devices Act. These laws govern the use of listening devices, optical surveillance, tracking devices, and data surveillance. Breaches carry serious criminal penalties.
State-based legislation governing the licensing of private investigators, security guards, and related roles. Each state has its own act, regulator, and licensing requirements.
Unauthorised access to computer systems or databases is a federal criminal offence. Investigators must only access data through lawful, authorised channels.
Quick answers to the most common questions about Australia's investigative industries.