PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Welcome 2023!

2022 was an eventful year for ASIAL and our industry. We continued our two core ideas at the centre of our thinking: A Safe and Secure Australia and Together Each Achieves More. ASIAL released the draft National Private Security Act (NPSA) which provides the first step towards harmonising security regulation across Australia. We engaged with more levels of government to promote the NPSA and gather their support. In speaking with various government departments, we were able to emphasise the importance of the private security industry to Australian governments, businesses, and the community, by referencing the ASIAL Security 2025 Report. ASIAL researched the ethical issues around artificial intelligence (AI), in particular around facial recognition and took an ethical stand around the use and storage of individual biometric information.

Late last year, ASIAL also released our own mobile app ASIAL GO which enhances what our members want from ASIAL, knowledge, advice, and support. If you haven’t had a chance to download the app, I encourage you to do so. ASIAL GO has a dedicated new feed, allows you to view and book events, and provides immediate resources for legislation, regulation, member benefits and publications, to name a few.

It’s difficult to predict how 2023 will unfold. On the one hand we’ve experienced multiple interest rate increases at a rate not seen since 2012, inflation at around 7% and a tightening labour market resulting in many security firms having difficulty in hiring workers not only in direct security roles (i.e. guards, technicians, project managers), but also in general and administration roles. On the other hand, our industry has shown resilience in the past by growing, despite economic challenges. We continue to create value to current and prospective clients through new technologies, processes, and other value-add opportunities.

Our annual National Reference Group was held in October, which included ASIAL Convenors, Board Members, and members from our Secretariat. During our meeting, I asked participants why they have remained in the security industry. Among the responses included: Career advancement, diversity of roles, making a positive contribution to the community, exciting technology, and crime prevention. As you look towards rehiring, I encourage you to use some of these words in the promotion of your workplace.

Until next time, I wish every ASIAL member all the best for 2023, thanks for supporting ASIAL, let’s continue our part in keeping ‘A safe and secure Australia’.

John Gellel President

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NEXT ISSUE: APRIL - JUNE 2023

Printed ISSN 1442-1720

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