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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 1 Hansard (20 February) . . Page.. 302 ..

MS MacDONALD (continuing):

If this legislation had been introduced three years ago these measures would not have been an issue; the changes would have been made progressively. I know that all of my former colleagues within the security industry who provide training to security officials have been consulted and are happy to see that this legislation has finally been introduced. I commend the bill.

MR STANHOPE (Chief Minister, Attorney-General, Minister for Community Affairs and Minister for the Environment) (12.11), in reply: Mr Speaker, I thank members for their support of this bill. The bill is the result of extensive industry consultation-it was developed in consultation with 20 stakeholders from all sectors of the security industry. Consultation occurred with the owners and managers of some of the ACT's largest security firms and also a range of small businesses, wholesalers, trainers and industry associations. In addition, the bill was discussed in detail at a meeting of approximately 70 security industry business owners and managers. The department has also consulted with the regulators in New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia and the Northern Territory to ensure that the legislation is consistent with national standards.

The bill is a response to two reviews of the current codes of practice for the security industry. The reviews highlighted public safety concerns about the participation of unregistered people in the industry. The reviews also noted the urgent need for training and development of competencies in the industry. Concerns were also highlighted at a national level that the entry requirements for the ACT industry are significantly lower than in other jurisdictions.

The bill will bring the ACT into line with other Australian jurisdictions, by allowing regulations for prescribed standards and training requirements for the industry. The bill will also enhance compliance activities, primarily through the introduction of offences, and will prevent persons from commencing employment prior to the outcome of criminal record check.

The bill is based on the New South Wales Security Industry Act 1997, which is considered the national model for security industry legislation. The bill will apply to all of the people currently covered by the codes of practice. This includes bodyguards, crowd controllers or bouncers, guards, installers and repairers of security equipment, locksmiths, security consultants, security trainers and employers of security people.

The bill will not apply to people who sell self-installed security systems, people who cut unrestricted keys and builders who install locks. These exemptions are in line with the current codes of practice and exemptions in all other Australian jurisdictions.

The bill provides the licensing of employers, employees, trainers and apprentices in the security industry. The Commissioner for Fair Trading will issue the licences. Licences will not be issued before police record checks have been completed and applicants must meet entry requirements. If a licence is not granted or if a conditional licence is granted, the applicant will be able to apply to the Consumer and Trader Tribunal for a review of the decision. The bill also gives the power to the Consumer and Trader Tribunal to hear disciplinary matters and, where appropriate, impose disciplinary actions such as cancelling or suspending licences.

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