About the Authority

The Licensing Authority of Secondhand Dealers and Pawnbrokers (the Authority) was established under the Secondhand Dealers and Pawnbrokers Act 2004 (the Act).

The Authority:

  • issues licences and certificates to people working in the secondhand dealer and pawnbroker industries.
  • disciplines licence and certificate holders
  • keeps the register of license and certificate holders.

Find out the type of work we cover

How the Authority is chosen

The Authority is appointed by the Governor-General on the advice of the Minister of Justice. They must have at least five years’ experience as a barrister or solicitor of the High Court. Appointments to the position are for a term of three years, and a person may be reappointed.

The current Authority is Ms Patricia McConnell.

Laws that cover our work

The Licensing Authority of Secondhand Dealers and Pawnbrokers is governed by the following legislation:

Secondhand Dealers and Pawnbrokers Act 2004 (external link)

Secondhand Dealers and Pawnbrokers Regulations 2005(external link)

Commissions of Inquiry Act 1908(external link)


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