Major-event security a worry, union claims
Sun November 09, 2010
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/ipad-application/security-a-worry-at-major-events-union-claims/story-fn6bfm6w-1225950272871


SHONKY operators in the private security industry are failing to provide adequate safety at major events, a union claims.

The Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union said one-third of security workers who were surveyed either worked for contractors that operated with unsafe staffing levels or knew of companies that did.

The union's state secretary, Jess Walsh, said yesterday up to 40 per cent of Victorian security guards had also reported being assaulted on the job.

"Some of these rogue companies are so understaffed and their guards so undertrained that they can't even protect themselves, so how can they protect the public?" she said.

One security worker with 10 years' experience said he worked at the MCG during a blockbuster AFL match this year and was shocked at the lack of manpower and organisation of the security guards on duty. He claimed patrons could "bring anything into the ground".

"They are putting public safety at jeopardy, they are putting their guards and the public in danger," said the guard, who declined to be named. "They don't have enough numbers to satisfactorily monitor gates and most of the guards I worked with had very little experience."

A representative of the company that runs security at the MCG declined to comment.

The union launches a new code of practice today aimed at driving out shonky operators.

Ms Walsh said the Safeguard Professional Code would identify reputable operators.