JAIL, HEAVY FINES FOR SECURITY ROGUES

Unlicensed security guards face jail and stiff fines under tough new legislation passed in the Queensland Parliament today.

Fair Trading Minister Margaret Keech said the Security Providers Amendment Bill gave Queensland the toughest security laws in Australia

“The Beattie Government is determined to rein in rogue operators and set new standards for industry conduct, training and accountability,” Mrs Keech said.

"We are serious about this crackdown: these new laws bring in penalties of up to $37,500 for a first offence - five times more than the current penalty.

"For the first time in Queensland, unlicensed security guards also face up to 18 months jail for repeat offences.”

Mrs Keech said the amendments would help the Government clean up the industry.

"We will dramatically strengthen entry provisions so we can keep undesirables out," she said.

"We'll be able to use criminal intelligence, unrecorded convictions and other background information to keep members of outlaw motorcycle gangs and other thugs out of the industry.

"There will be tougher penalties for those operating without a licence, and those who employ them - up from $7500 to $37,500 for a first offence and up to $75,000 or 18 months' jail for a third or subsequent offence. There was previously no provision to send anyone to jail for breaking the law.

"We will have no hesitation cancelling or suspending the licence of persons who are no longer appropriate to remain in the industry and we will beef up our compliance resources and operations across the State.

“We don't want thugs and criminals in the industry.”

Mrs Keech said the laws would ensure new standards of conduct, higher levels of training and on-going assessment of the industry.

"We will license previously unregulated sectors of the industry such as security equipment installers, electronic surveillors, dog handlers, in-house security guards, and security advisors,” she said.

"The new laws will be effective, contemporary and quality legislation and consistent with the Beattie Government's priority to enhance community safety and protect property."

Mrs Keech said staff employed by corporate licence-holders would have to operate under a Code of Conduct based on industry standards.

”Training requirements would be strengthened and corporate licence approval conditional on provision of on-going training to staff by approved industry-based training providers,” she said.

“The Beattie Government is serious about cleaning up the industry, and industry and employee groups support us in doing so."

Media contacts: Jo Gibbons 3224 2007 or David Smith 3225 1005