The Department of Justice and Community Safety has made 21 recommendations to improve the State’s private security industry following a review of Victoria’s private security licensing scheme.
Commenting on the Department’s Review of the Private Security Industry Report, Minister for Police, Lisa Neville said all 21 recommendations would be implemented over the next three years.
Ms Neville said the Review proposed significant changes across the industry, including establishing an enforceable code of conduct; increasing the quality and monitoring of training; streamlining licensing requirements; and establishing a complaints website and phone line.
“Implementation of the recommendations will require legislative change, operational change and enhanced enforcement,” she said.
“A key recommendation will see Victoria Police improving information sharing with relevant Agencies to enhance and coordinate enforcement and oversight activities more efficiently.
“The Review also recommends putting strict controls in place to prevent employers dodging workplace responsibilities through subcontracting and sham contracting to avoid paying their workers properly.”
The Minister said due to the concerns about subcontracting raised in the Review, Government would work with industry and unions to reduce the incidence of subcontracting in State-procured security services over time.
“This important Review gives us a roadmap to raise industry standards, improve safety of employees and the community, and ensure workers are paid properly and fairly,” she said.
Ms Neville said the Review was conducted in consultation with the Victorian Security Industry Advisory Committee, Victoria Police, Industrial Relations Victoria and relevant unions, “who will continue to play a vital role throughout the implementation of the Review’s recommendations”.
The Department’s 58-page Report can be accessed at this PS News link.
