Gym owners call for national licensing of operators to stamp out crime and lift professionalism of industry

Call for national licensing of gym and fitness centre operators amid rising concerns over safety, professionalism and criminal infiltration

As Australia's fitness industry experiences rapid growth, calls are intensifying for mandatory licensing of gym and fitness centre operators to ensure higher standards of professionalism, safety and accountability, amid rising concerns about criminal activity and unqualified ownership.

Leaders across the sector say the time has come for the federal government to intervene and implement a national licensing framework that vets operators, protects consumers and ensures the long term integrity of an industry now essential to the health and wellbeing of millions of Australians.

Criminal elements are infiltrating gyms

Jenny Singh, a fitness operator on the Gold Coast, is sounding the alarm.

"My concern is that criminals and gangs are now infiltrating the fitness industry and using gyms as a front for money laundering and other activities," she said.

"We need to get them out and stop them from involvement. The majority of the industry is professional and introducing a law to ensure that all gyms and fitness centres are run by licensed operators will help lift the industry to a higher level of professionalism and accountability.

"You go to the doctor when you're unwell. You go to the gym to improve your health. We need higher levels of operator credibility. The federal government needs to set up a Senate inquiry to review how this can happen and develop the laws to implement these higher levels of credentials."

A booming industry needs stronger controls

Todd Howard, CEO of TBH Group who are invested in a number of wellness sectors and who is a key multi-site franchisee with Snap Fitness in Australia, said the fitness sector is growing at the fastest rate he's seen in 15 years.

"Since COVID, health and wellness have become a priority for many Australians. It's now the norm to have a gym membership," he said.

"But the flip side is that the industry is attracting a wide range of entrants, including some with little experience or structure."

Howard said that while franchised gyms like Snap Fitness have robust screening, training, compliance and vetting processes for owners, the broader industry lacks safeguards.

"Too many people who simply love fitness or dislike their day jobs are jumping into gym ownership without guidance, or do it for alternative purposes to the value that majority uphold. That's fine under a structured franchise system like Snap Fitness, but damaging when done freelance. We'd welcome a licensing requirement for all operators under a national framework. It would ensure basic operational standards, verified staff qualifications and safety compliance.

"Licensing would support higher levels of professionalism and consumer trust. People should be able to walk into any gym knowing it meets a national standard, just like they can with childcare, aged care or allied health."

Trust and standards must come first

Jane Kilkenny, founder of Victoria based Fitness Energy and a respected industry leader, also supports a national licensing framework.

"Yes, I believe the fitness industry would benefit from a licensing or professional registration requirement," she said.

While many already abide by the AUSactive Code of Conduct, too many do not."

Kilkenny said mandatory registration of facilities and staff would ensure that only qualified, insured professionals deliver fitness guidance, raising both quality of service and consumer confidence.

AUSactive: The foundation already exists

AUSactive, the national peak body for the fitness industry, has confirmed that systems are already in place to support higher industry standards. It administers a Register of Professionals and a National Fitness Industry Code of Practice, which outline best practices, safety protocols and ethical business conduct.

While these are currently voluntary, AUSactive believes they offer a strong foundation for the development of a formal licensing regime.

"With the right policy support, Australia has the tools to transform the fitness industry into one of the most professional, consumer trusted sectors in the health ecosystem," a spokesperson said.

Next steps: A national inquiry

Industry voices are now calling on the federal government to establish a Senate inquiry to explore the implementation of licensing laws, modelled on existing frameworks in sectors such as health, aged care and early childhood education.

"There's never been a more important time to protect the future of the fitness industries integrity," said Howard.

"Licensing is not about red tape or barriers. It's about trust, safety and lifting the bar for everyone in an equal landscape which benefits not only those who are heavily invested in the industry, but the consumer to get a quality, and consistent product in market."