More Shonky Security Operators Being Detected: Shine
Published Thursday, 15 November, 2007 at 10:49 AM
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland
The Honourable Kerry Shine
A new system of background checks on people applying for licences to work in the security industry has resulted in a doubling of the number of adverse criminal history checks, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine said today.
Mr Shine said since October 1 the government has significantly expanded the scope of criminal history checks on those people applying or renewing their security licences.
“We are now checking all applications for unrecorded convictions and using criminal intelligence and other background information provided by the Queensland Police Service to make decisions about applicants’ suitability,” Mr Shine said
“Between October 1 and November 9 the Office of Fair Trading recorded 387 adverse criminal history check reports, which is more than double the number recorded in the previous five weeks.
“Nine people identified under these adverse criminal history checks have had their applications refused.”
Mr Shine said the Office of Fair Trading also conducted a state-wide compliance blitz during October targeting entertainment venues and licensed premises that are frequented by schoolies during their celebrations.
“Officers inspected 155 premises and 764 entities throughout Queensland.”
“While over half the security providers and entities scrutinised were found to be 100% compliant with the Act, there are still people who either engage or operate as unlicensed security providers.
“So far the Office of Fair Trading has issued a total of 61 warnings or infringement notices totaling $14,850 in fines.
“Breaches of the Act ranged from failure to maintain or keep a security provider register, operating as an unlicensed security provider or security firm and failing to update license particulars.”
Mr Shine said the Government will not tolerate undesirable people working in the security industry.
“Denying these people a licence and ensuring they don’t work in the industry will help reduce the risk of security providers being unnecessarily involved in violent incidents.
“It will allow those patrons of licensed premises to feel safer and have more confidence that security at a venue is being conducted by licensed professionals and not those looking for a reason to be violent,” Mr Shine said.
Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400, 0488 799 273
Mr Shine said since October 1 the government has significantly expanded the scope of criminal history checks on those people applying or renewing their security licences.
“We are now checking all applications for unrecorded convictions and using criminal intelligence and other background information provided by the Queensland Police Service to make decisions about applicants’ suitability,” Mr Shine said
“Between October 1 and November 9 the Office of Fair Trading recorded 387 adverse criminal history check reports, which is more than double the number recorded in the previous five weeks.
“Nine people identified under these adverse criminal history checks have had their applications refused.”
Mr Shine said the Office of Fair Trading also conducted a state-wide compliance blitz during October targeting entertainment venues and licensed premises that are frequented by schoolies during their celebrations.
“Officers inspected 155 premises and 764 entities throughout Queensland.”
“While over half the security providers and entities scrutinised were found to be 100% compliant with the Act, there are still people who either engage or operate as unlicensed security providers.
“So far the Office of Fair Trading has issued a total of 61 warnings or infringement notices totaling $14,850 in fines.
“Breaches of the Act ranged from failure to maintain or keep a security provider register, operating as an unlicensed security provider or security firm and failing to update license particulars.”
Mr Shine said the Government will not tolerate undesirable people working in the security industry.
“Denying these people a licence and ensuring they don’t work in the industry will help reduce the risk of security providers being unnecessarily involved in violent incidents.
“It will allow those patrons of licensed premises to feel safer and have more confidence that security at a venue is being conducted by licensed professionals and not those looking for a reason to be violent,” Mr Shine said.
Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400, 0488 799 273