Formed through the integration of two established Australian businesses, ID Supplies, based in Sydney, and BJ Safety Supplies, based in Melbourne, we bring together decades of experience to deliver a broader, more comprehensive solution for small to medium sized businesses and large organisations across the country.
Our combined expertise spans ID card printing solutions, facility access control, custom-branded identification products, PPE, workwear and uniform, safety signage, first-aid supplies, spill-response equipment and workplace safety essentials. With an expanded product range and experienced teams from both industries, we are uniquely positioned to support our customers’ safety, security and identification requirements with confidence, speed and exceptional service.
Our purpose is clear: to provide dependable security & safety products, industry-leading advice, and quality service & support that help Australian workplaces stay safe, secure, and compliant.
Your Specialist Supplier of Identification, Security & Workplace Safety Products
At ARA Safety & ID Supplies, we believe strong customer relationships are built on trust, responsiveness and technical knowledge. We work closely with customers to understand their facility and workplace challenges and requirements, and offer carefully considered solutions—whether for security, identification or workplace safety.
Our team comprises experienced professionals from across the identification and safety sectors, many of whom have worked in their respective industries for more than 15 years. This depth of expertise ensures we can deliver reliable advice, custom solutions and product recommendations that genuinely support your business.
We are proud to serve organisations of all sizes, including construction, manufacturing, government, healthcare, education, energy, industrial operations, and corporate enterprises.
ABOUT US
Established in 2001 by Lisa and Michael Knowland, ID Supplies built a strong reputation for providing fast delivery, expert support and high‑quality ID card printers, consumables and custom lanyards.
In 2012, ID Supplies and Identity Australia (originally founded in 1996) were both acquired by the ARA Group and consolidated into the ID Supplies business, becoming part of ARA Products. This merger brought together two respected identification specialists with a shared vision of service excellence and innovation.
Founded in 1986, BJ Safety Supplies boasts more than three decades of experience supplying PPE, workwear, footwear, signage, first aid, height safety and workplace consumables. The company earned its reputation as a reliable safety distributor by supporting customers across construction (including civil projects), manufacturing, energy supply, and a wide range of industrial environments.
In addition to its extensive product range, BJ Safety Supplies provided valuable services such as first-aid kit maintenance, site requirement advice and comprehensive branding options including embroidery and screen printing.
BJ Safety Supplies’ deep knowledge of workplace safety and long-standing customer relationships now form an integral part of ARA Safety & ID Supplies.
The unification of ID Supplies and BJ Safety Supplies marks an exciting new phase for both businesses. By bringing together the strengths of each brand, we are able to provide:
Our customers remain at the centre of everything we do. This transition enables us to support your business more effectively, more efficiently and with greater convenience than ever before.
1986BJ Safety Supplies was established in 1986 supplying workplace clothing, footwear, PPE, height safety, signage and other workplace safety related products to the Australian market.
1996In 1996, Keith Phipps founded Identity Australia Pty Ltd. Identity Australia began as a small business that provided laminated IDs. The company later entered the world of custom lanyards when Phipps landed the job of providing the lanyards for the Summer Olympics games held in Sydney in the year 2000.
2001In 2001, Lisa and Michael Knowland founded ID Supplies Pty Ltd. That same year, The ARA Group, founded by Edward Federman and Leo Browne, began operations.
2012In 2012, ID Supplies Pty Ltd and Identity Australia Pty Ltd were acquired by the ARA Group. Both businesses were combined and began trading as ID Supplies Pty Ltd, an ARA Products company.
2022In 2022, ID Supplies Pty Ltd reached new heights with a record year!
2024In 2024, the ARA Group purchased BJ Safety Supplies.
2025The integration of ID Supplies and BJ Safety Supplies begins.
2026The two businesses unite under the new name ARA Safety & ID Supplies, combining identification, security and safety solutions under one national brand.
We maintain strong distributor partnerships with globally recognised brands, such as HID Global (Fargo product range) and Entrust (Datacard), ensuring customers receive only the best quality identification and secure issuance technology. We also proudly supply leading PPE and safety brands trusted throughout Australia such as Steel Blue, Oliver, Blundstone, Redback, Yakka, Mongrel, Ansell, 3M, Bolle, Uvex, Paramount, Workit, FXD, Portwest and Tru.
Every ID card printer purchase includes our Printer Service Guarantee, reinforcing our long-standing commitment to value, quality and dependable support.
With the combined capability of two trusted Australian businesses, ARA Safety & ID Supplies is committed to providing exceptional service and practical solutions tailored to your needs. We invite you to experience the reliability, professionalism and expertise that thousands of customers across Australia rely on every day.
Meet our team
Stuart Harmer has more than 30 years of experience in the security and electrical engineering industry. As Managing Director of ARA Products, Stuart focuses on growing our market-leading security, access control, architectural hardware and identity distribution businesses using cutting-edge products and technology.
Stuart previously co-founded our sister company ISCS (International Security Control Solutions) in 1997 before the business was acquired by the ARA Group in 2009, where Stuart stayed on to build the ARA Products division. Stuart currently serves on the ARA Board of Management and is an ARA RAP Steering Committee member.
Tristan joined the ID Supplies sales team in 2019. She later changed roles as a Marketing Assistant in 2020, working closely with Heath McDonald, the Marketing Manager at the time. Tristan’s role has since changed to Sales & Content Creator, assisting the sales team and bureau from time to time. Her Content Creator role has a focus on updating and creating new website content, Social Media Marketing, and Email Marketing.
Gaylene Pugin, General Manager, joined the ID Supplies team as a Sales Executive in 2014 and has been in the security and identification industry since 2001. Gaylene’s extensive knowledge, which she has collected over the past 24 years in the industry, makes her a security and identification expert!
“I pride myself on looking after our customers and ensuring they receive a great experience with ID Supplies from beginning to end. I also take care of ID Supplies as a whole, ensuring the team is well and the day-to-day running of the business.”
Mindy joined the ID Supplies team in 2012 and has been our Supply Manager for 14 years. Mindy’s role includes purchasing products, managing our inventory, and helping out our storeman, Bill, manage the warehouse from time to time. Mindy is an invaluable member of the ID Supplies team.
Jaycel Betteridge joined the ID Supplies team in 2024. She has exceptional customer service skills and a warm and welcoming nature. With 15 years of experience in customer service, she is ready to assist you! Whether providing you with a quote, helping you place an order, or answering your questions about our products and services, Jaycel has you covered. We are proud to have Jaycel on the ID Supplies Team!
ID Supplies operates under the ARA Products division, one of the four complementary operating divisions – ARA Electrical, ARA Fire & Security, ARA Property Services and ARA Products – collectively comprising the ARA Group. The ARA Group was founded in 2001 by Edward Federman and Leo Brown, who strategically planned the development of a complementary building and facility services network. ID Supplies is proud to be part of the ARA Group. Being part of the ARA Group allows excellent multi-divisional communication and superior project management using the ARA Group’s intelligent internal infrastructure.
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