State Government crackdown on security providers

More than 140 security firms in Queensland have been warned by the Office of Fair Trading that they risk losing their license as the State Government continues to implement strict rules and regulations around the industry.

Deputy Premier Paul Lucas said the 144 firms in question had failed meet new requirements introduced in April that make it mandatory for Queensland security firms to be members of approved industry bodies.

Mr Lucas said that under the new rules, it was mandatory for security firms to become a member of an approved association which would audit firms against the body's code of conduct.

This was in addition to rigorous identification, probity testing and compliance operations carried out by the Office of Fair Trading to ensure the security industry is meeting state-wide standards, he said.

"The message to security firms is clear," Mr Lucas said.

"If they are not acting lawfully, they should be dealt with and they will b e dealt with."

Mr Lucas said that more than 1100 firms were meeting the new requirements but those who were flouting the rules would lose their licence and individuals operating a security firm without an appropriate licence faced fines of up to $50,000.

"Like many Queensland parents, I want my children to be in a safe environment if they choose to have a night on the town," he said.

"Security providers play a key role in keeping patrons and staff safe but it's important we have the right people in these positions and that they conduct themselves in a professional and lawful manner.

"That's why we make no apologies for enforcing the rules."

Mr Lucas said the Bligh Government was continuing to implement an agreed national approach to the security industry agreed to by the Commonwealth of Australian Governments in 2008.

"We've introduced mandatory fingerprinting from July 1, have a requirement for crowd controllers and bodyguards to continually retrain to update their skills if they want to keep these functions and carried out 23,600 criminal history checks of security staff in the 2010-2011 financial year," he said.

"The OFT also issued 212 show cause notices as a result of these daily criminal history checks which lead to the suspension of almost 100 licences and the cancellation of almost 50 licences.

"Our new fingerprinting rules mean that within three years, every person licensed in Queensland to carry out security activities will be subject to stricter identification standards and criminal history checks."

Deputy Premier and Attorney-General, Minister for Local Government and Special Minister of State
The Honourable Paul Lucas
31/07/2011
State Government crackdown on security providers

Permanent Link: State Government crackdown on security providers
Publish Date: 31 Jul 11

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