The Minister for Government Services has responded to a serious assault incident involving a Services Australia staff member last week at the Victorian Airport West Service Centre in Melbourne.
The Minister, Bill Shorten, said a staff member was seriously injured while their family and fellow members and customers witnessed the incident, prompting him to establish a Security Risk Management Review for Services Australia, to be led by former Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police, Graham Ashton.
“This is a deeply unsettling time, not only for Services Australia but for every frontline public servant across Australia,” Mr Shorten said.
“The incident was one of far too many where frontline workers have faced violence and aggression while doing their job – from Services Australia staff, to electorate officers to any Government servant,” he said.
“Services Australia staff choose this career to support Australians and we need to support them.’
Mr Shorten said everybody should be able to return home safely from work every day.
“The Terms of Reference will take into account previous strong security improvements but examine what we can do better to deter future incidents,” he said.
“We will do everything in our power to combat violence and aggression.”
The Minister said he visited the service centre to offer his support and to let staff know that their welfare was his priority.
“I sincerely thank all who assisted for their swift support, particularly Services Australia staff who assisted their colleague and customers, and Victoria Police and ambulance services,” Mr Shorten said.
“I know they are receiving excellent care, and the community joins with me in wishing them a speedy recovery.”
He said the terms of reference of the Security Risk Management Review for Services Australia would include: Adequacy of the physical security measures; Whether improvements need to be made to Managed Service Programs; and The adequacy and operations of the state criminal laws to maximise protections of staff, customers and the public.
