United Voice News
MCG Violence Warning On Boxing Day Test
There is a serious risk of drunken brawls and violence at major events like the Boxing Day Test this summer because of a flood of rogue security companies that cut corners on training and safety standards, security guards will warn today.
The warning comes after two Securecorp guards were brutally bashed in Frankston last month and as new survey data released today shows 40% of Victorian guards have been assaulted.
“Some of these rogue companies are so understaffed and their guards so undertrained that they can’t even protect themselves, so how can they protect the public?”
“This summer hundreds of thousands of Victorians will go to events like the Australian Open and Big Day Out. At many of these kinds of events there are shonky security outfits operating, cutting corners with public safety, and who do not comply with the new Safeguard Professional Code,” said Jess Walsh, Victorian secretary of LHMU, the Security Union.
“These cowboy security outfits put safety of the public and guards at risk,” Walsh said.
“One third of guards we surveyed either worked for contractors that operate with unsafe staffing levels or knew of companies that do this.”
The Security Union and key industry stakeholders will today launch Safeguard, a new code of practice to help businesses, government and community groups avoid cowboy contractors.
“It costs a little over $1000 to set up a security company, which can then undercut established, professional companies who train staff properly and provide safe staffing levels,” said Walsh.
“Some of these backyard operators use unlicensed and untrained staff. We have members who’ve been hospitalised after being bashed, because of insufficient back up. Many have had bones broken. Others have been bitten, glassed or even pushed down stairs,” Walsh said.
“We urge Victoria’s festivals and sporting and major events to carefully choose which security company they use. Saving a few dollars may come at a much higher price than they realise.”
Walsh called on businesses, government and the community to help improve safety and professionalism in the security industry. The Safeguard Professional Code for the Victorian
Security Industry (www.safeguard.org.au) is their guarantee of quality, professional security.
“Safeguard-endorsed contractors are stable, professional companies that have met all their legal, industrial and training requirements,” Walsh said.
“Just last month, Sir Ken Jones, Victoria’s Deputy Police Commissioner warned that outlaw motorcycle clubs are infiltrating the security industry. The Australian Crime Commission has also found some security firms are linked to organised crime syndicates,” she said.
“Safeguard companies offer peace of mind to clients. And, unlike the rogue contractors, they will not vanish overnight, leaving clients caught short on security or badly out of pocket.”
Safeguard has endorsed major contractors ISS, Wilson Security, MSS, G4S and Glad Security.
