INTERNATIONAL SECURITY OFFICERS’ DAY

A CHANCE TO THANK ALL SECURITY OFFICERS FOR HELPING TO KEEP US SAFE

On 24 July 2022 - International Security Officers’ Day – the Australian Security Industry Association Ltd (ASIAL) is calling on the community to acknowledge the role performed by Australia’s 120,000 Security Officers in keeping us safe.

“It only takes a moment to tell the security officers at your work or in the shopping centre or elsewhere that you know what they do for the community and that you appreciate them,” said ASIAL CEO Bryan de Caires.

Performing a broad range of roles from protecting hospitals to defence bases, shopping centres to offices, concerts and sporting events, security officers are present at licensed premises, airports, critical infrastructure and much more.

They are a vital part of Australia’s security mix and have risen to the many challenges posed over the past two years.

Many people might take security for granted and few people know the dangers that security officers face every day when they put themselves in harm’s way protecting others.

Whether they are monitoring public spaces, bars, railway stations or patrolling premises after hours, they must be ready to confront and handle a variety of potentially dangerous situations from rowdy behaviour, criminal activity right up to terrorism threats.

Very few people are aware of sophisticated technology used by the profession today ranging from biorecognition, infrared cameras, crowd movement analysis tools and many other tools to intercept crime or other dangers.

The wide scope of duties they perform means that Security Officers must hold a diverse range of skills and talents; as a result, it attracts individuals seeking a rewarding and meaningful career.

Likewise, the Security Industry attracts people from very diverse backgrounds, reflecting the face of Australian society today.

ASIAL President John Gellel said that the industry needs to do more to attract potential employees. “Apprenticeships are possibly a key to our ability to keep pace with demand,” he said.

“Someone entering the labour market is probably unaware that as a qualified technician in the security industry, they can realistically expect an income commensurate with other trades such as an electrician.”

“The mission is to demonstrate to workers that there is good money to be made and an excellent career path if you want to progress to stimulating work areas involving security at its most sophisticated and in some of the most exciting fields of security today.”

“A career in the security industry means you’re part of something much larger than a career,” said John Gellel.

“Whether you’re in the protective services or electronics side of the industry, you will be playing your part in keeping Australia safe and secure, while having fun with some very cool technologies” Mr Gellel said.

The problem of recruitment-appeal is not only a concern for the Security Industry. Latest figures from the National Skills Commission reveal recruitment difficulty has reached a new peak since the COVID-19 outbreak.

More than half (54 per cent) of employers report having trouble filling vacancies in the four weeks to April 30.

These organisations had a particularly tough time hiring outside capital cities, where 64 per cent reported difficulties, and when hiring skilled workers with a Certificate III qualification or higher (62 per cent).

The latest SEEK Employment Report also reveals that in April, the number of applications for each job advertisement on seek.com.au was at its lowest level since 2012.

It was likely the result of all states and territories recording the highest job ad volumes ever on the job site.

In addition, outdated perceptions of gender roles can at times be a barrier to labour entrants, according to John Gellel. “We need to do more as an industry to encourage greater female workforce participation. We need to better communicate the broad range of roles and skills required by our industry and highlight the pathways available for individuals seeking a rewarding career.”

“With the diversity of roles now available in our industry, the opportunity here is to reframe the industry’s image and make it more meaningful and attractive in the broader recruitment spectrum,” said Mr Gellel.

In an increasingly security-conscious world, the industry is keen to add to its ranks and is encouraging people who are interested in a security career.

“As COVID restrictions continue to be lifted, the hardpressed events industry will resume their events that were suspended during lockdowns,” said Mr de Caires. “And there will be a significant surge in demand for security services, so we are going to need many more qualified licensed security officers in the system.”

The events sector is only one example where the industry is bracing itself for much greater demand for security services in the coming months and years. ASIAL has been engaged by the Department of Defence to advise on how key civilian and military assets will be secured in the event of General Mobilisation. Private security already protects many Australian Defence Force military installations Australia-wide along with key infrastructure like dams, power stations, key transport hubs, telecommunications, ports and more. All of these would have to be secured in the event of a conflict and it will be security officers who will be called on for the job.

A global security industry initiative originating in Australia, International Security Officers’ Day is now celebrated in a growing list of countries including Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Macau, New Zealand, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the USA.

ASIAL CEO Bryan de Caires said: “On 24 July, we are simply calling on business, government and the broader community to say ‘thank you’ to frontline Security Officers they meet in their day to day lives, who are working hard to keep us safe, 24/7.”

I enjoy the variety that the Security industry provides. Everyday is different especially in a shopping centre environment. I also work with a great team which always makes each day a pleasure coming to work.

THANKS FROM CERTIS SECURITY AUSTRALIA

Shannon Rodda

THANKS FROM SECURECORP

Colin Graham

Colin joined Securecorp in 2006 working across many retail centres before taking up his current position in Gatehouse Operations. Colin’s experience and professionalism is well received by the client who stated that “The site runs very smoothly, due to Colin’s excellent work”. Thank you Colin.

Eyassu Tesfamariam

Eyassu has been working in the security industry for 10 years, and with Securecorp for over 4 years. Eyassu is a focused security officer who is passionate about providing a fantastic customer service experience. His site knowledge is exemplary, and he is utilised in the training of new staff. Eyassu has a positive attitude that spreads throughout the security team. He is an invaluable member of the Securecorp Team. Thank you Eyassu.