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’.

Editorial and Advertising Security Insider is published by The Australian Security Industry Association Limited

PO Box 1338 Crows Nest, NSW 1585

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Email: communications@asial.com.au

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Published quarterly Views expressed in Security Insider do not necessarily reflect the opinion of ASIAL. Advertising does not imply endorsement by ASIAL, unless otherwise stated with permission. All contributions are welcomed, though the publisher reserves the right to decline to publish or to edit for style, grammar, length and legal reasons. Press Releases can be emailed to: communications@asial.com.au.

Internet references in articles, stories and advertising were correct at the time of printing. ASIAL does not accept responsibility for leading views.

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Security Insider is a subscription-based publication, rates and further details can be found at www.asial.com.au.

NEXT ISSUE:

APRIL - JUNE 2023

Printed ISSN 1442-1720

Digital ISSN 2207-8282

John Gellel President

Secure Jobs, Better Pay Act Assistance for Members

The Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022 (the Act) received royal assent on Tuesday 6 December 2022. The Act amends workplace relations laws relating to bargaining, job security, gender equality, compliance and enforcement, workplace conditions and protections and workplace relations institutions.

The amendments come into effect in two parts:

• Some changes had immediate effect from 7 December 2022

• And others in June 2023

To help members navigate their way through the changes, ASIAL Members have access to a wide range of resources, including:

• member bulletins

• podcasts

• webinars

• fact sheets

Anti-Discrimination and Human Rights Legislation Amendment

On 28 November 2022 the Federal Government’s Anti-Discrimination and Human Rights Legislation Amendment (Respect at Work) Act 2022 (Cth) (Respect@Work Act) passed both houses of Parliament.

The changes brought about by the Respect@Work Act are clearly designed to emphasise that all employers and persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) have a responsibility to proactively ensure that their workplaces are free from unlawful sex discrimination.

ASIAL Members have access to the Association’s Workplace Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Harassment and Bullying Code of Practice which provide a comprehensive guide to meeting their responsibilities under the new legislation at https://www.asial.com.au/Web/ Web/Member-Resources/Guidelines-and-Templates.aspx?hkey=82658fb24b72-41f4-904f-61d5f3355254

The Fair Work Commission has provided a 20-minute Sexual Harassment at Work module in their online learning portal at learn.fwc.gov.au/

WA Firearm and Baton Endorsed Security Officers Change to Training Requirements

To find out more go to asial.com. au/Web/Marketing/Secure-Jobs-Better-Pay-Act.aspx.

ASIAL members can also contact Chris Delaney on ir@asial.com.au.

Employer Responsibilities During Natural Disasters

Many regions of Australia have been inundated with rain causing unprecedented flooding. No part of our continent appears to have been untouched.

Beyond the destruction to life and property, the collateral damage to both employers and employees extends from minor inconvenience to complete shutdown of businesses with little possibility of getting operational again, at least in the short term.

Employees and employers alike face financial uncertainty that may continue for some time.

ASIAL has received many enquiries about the rights and responsibilities of employers and the following FAQs are designed to assist members who are National System employers to understand their obligations to workers caught up in natural disasters. There will always be exceptions and employers should always seek professional advice based on their specific circumstances.

Please scan below QR code for the FAQs information.

Amendments to the Security and Related Activities (Control) Regulations 1997 came into effect on 17 December 2022. These amendments change the frequency with which firearm and baton endorsed Security Officers must complete an approved course in firearms discharge and an approved course in baton use respectively, from at least once every 6 months to at least once every 12 months.

Firearm and baton endorsed Security Officers whose training falls due on or after 17 December 2022, will automatically have an additional 6 months added to their training expiry date and a new licence and identification card issued.