United Voice News
Fears for student safety at La Trobe Uni
There are fears the security of La Trobe University staff and students could be compromised following reports that companies that have failed to gain the security industry’s tick of approval are in the running for the University’s security contract at its Bundoora campus.
Yesterday security industry representatives launched the Safeguard Professional Code for the Victorian Security Industry, developed to recognise and endorse contractors who meet the highest standards in the Victorian industry.
But Security Union members understand that companies that have not been endorsed by the new professional code are in the running for La Trobe’s new security contractor for its Bundoora campus.
“Guards are deeply concerned that La Trobe will opt for a contractor that has failed to get the industry’s tick of approval,” said Jess Walsh, Victorian Secretary of LHMU, the Security Union.
“By employing a Safeguard contractor, clients are getting a guarantee that security provider will meet the highest standards of safety, staffing levels and training,” Walsh said.
The contract is currently held by MSS Security, a Safeguard contractor, and the switch is also likely to see a pay cut of $2439 a year each for each guard currently working on the campus.
“La Trobe has a professional team of guards who work around the clock keeping the campus for students and staff. Their choice may be: cop a $2500 cop pay cut or find work elsewhere.”
“Losing these guards would be a tragedy for La Trobe. Staff and students know and trust them. Many rely on these guards to drive them on the Campus Safety Bus to their cars at night.”
A report released at yesterday’s Safeguard launch highlighted the dangers of hiring one of the many rogue contractors that have flooded the security industry in recent years.
“Our report found that because so many non-Safeguard contractors cut corners on pay, they struggle to retain experienced, quality staff when they take over a contract.”
“The report also found that more than a third of security officers surveyed work for, or know of, contractors with unsafe staffing levels. Many also break government rules and regulations.”
“The report also found almost half of all guards surveyed had been victims of violence or assault while on the job – a statistic that is bound to worry guards working at La Trobe,” she said.
Late last year, two Makesafe security guards were attacked while patrolling Deakin University. One sustained severe head injuries and a dislocated shoulder, the other facial bruising.
And in September, contractor SECUREcorp was at the centre of a controversy when two security officers working for the contractor were savagely assaulted while working in Frankston.
SECUREcorp was today identified in the Herald Sun as the contractor currently providing security services to the MCG. The newspaper quoted a security officer who had worked at the stadium saying he was shocked at the lack of manpower and organisation on show.
Safeguard contractors are MSS Security, ISS Security, G4S, Glad Security and Wilson Security.
