Tara Murphy Director, Security & Traffic at the University of NSW, Sydney
T
ara Murphy is Director, Security & Traffic
UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
at the University of NSW, Sydney. She
Having raised the profile of the security service,
has been in security at UNSW for almost
Murphy says her biggest challenge is managing
half her security career and in that time
expectations. “My experience in many organisations is
has transformed the security function.
that security is required to wear many hats beyond its core function, which is not realistic in some cases.
“Once I began working at UNSW I progressed from deputy security manager to security manager,” she
“I think this is a result of security being viewed as
says. “In that role I worked to extend the portfolio
trusted partners in the organisation So, whenever
and raise the profile of the security service within the
people come to a sticking point, they reach out to
university. This led to greater recognition of the value
security. This is, of course, a positive thing. However
of security, which resulted in my being appointed to
I need to ensure we do not overcommit to tasks and
my current role as director of security. In this role I am
services we are not trained to undertake that divert us
part of the estate management executive team.”
from our core responsibilities.”
She describes a ‘typical’ day as being atypical,
Key to fulfilling those core responsibilities, she says,
“involving numerous meetings, responding to events,
are good personal networks, both within the university
supporting my team and liaising with a wide range of
and externally. She maintains strong links with
internal and external stakeholders.
her peers in other tertiary education organisations to understand current and emerging threats and
28
“I work with a committed and talented team. Having
responses, is an active member of Association of
them recognised for the critical role they undertake
University Chief Security Officers and attends its
and the value they bring is one of the most rewarding
forums and conferences. She keeps up to date with
parts of my job.”
government websites and press releases and works
W O M E N I N S E C U R I T Y M A G A Z I N E
N O V E M B E R • D E C E M B E R 2022
