United Voice News
ACT security officers celebrate new laws protecting their rights
ACT security officers are set to enjoy new laws to improve and protect their rights at work. This morning the Legislative Assembly is expected to pass the Security Industry Amendment Bill which will give all new security officers the right to training about their basic rights at work.
Lyndal Ryan, ACT Branch Secretary of LHMU, the security union, says “Canberra’s security officers are delighted the Legislative Assembly is set to pass new legislation to protect workers from the shonky operators in the security industry.
“The Fair Work Ombudsmen which conducted an audit of security firms last year, found that 49% of employers were not complying with the Fair Work Act. The Ombudsman also recommended action in relation to sham contracting arrangements which are also prevalent in the industry,” says Lyndal Ryan.
Shayne Reid is one of the many security officers who has been campaigning for a more professional security industry. He says “This legislation is desperately needed. Our industry has a poor record of compliance with workplace laws. Workers are usually isolated from each other in difficult to reach worksites on widely varying rosters.
“It is difficult for guards to obtain accurate information about Federal and Territory employment laws. Without this information they are frequently ripped off. I work with young guards coming into the industry who do not have a clue about what they should be paid for the various shifts that they will be working,” says Shayne.
Lyndal Ryan says “This is a disgraceful situation. Security Guards want to see the end of this type of exploitation. The most effective way for this to occur is for them to have their rights explained to them by fellow guards.
“Under this Bill trained security officers will deliver a curriculum covering the Fair Work Act, Occupational Health and Safety and the distinction between genuine subcontracting and bogus contracting arrangements. An important aspect of this information will be advice on what to do if your rights are not being observed.
“I am so pleased the ACT Government is prepared to ensure workers receive information about their rights. We look forward to working with employers who want to do the right thing but cannot compete with those who do not,” says Lyndal Ryan.
After the Assembly votes on the Bill, Shayne Reid will present Minister Corbel with a torch engraved with the security officers’ campaign slogan “Stand Up for Security” to thank him for his ongoing assistance improving industry standards.
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The Bill was passed with the support of Labor and Green members, despite violent opposition from the Liberals.
Photo: Security offficers Shane Reid (L) and Ron Firdler (R) celebrate the passing of the Security Industry Amendment Bill with Chief Minister Simon Corbell.
