To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly,

The petition of the undersigned citizens of Tasmania draws the attention of the house to the following:

Security guards play an extremely important role in our community maintaining safety and order. They deter and prevent crime, protect property and ensure the wellbeing and safety of the public at events and licenced premises often working alone. However, security guards often face significant risks to their own personal safety while carrying out their duties. This may be because they don’t have access to adequate equipment and protection or they have not received adequate training to be effective in their duties.

As licenced Security guards working in Tasmania, we are experiencing a heightened risk to our safety and that of the community and we feel compelled to take a proactive approach to minimising those risks.

WE, THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY PETITION THE HOUSE TO:

Grant security guards increased access to:

Batons, handcuffs

Mandatory Self-defence training

Stab-proof vests/ undergarments 

Tasers and gel pepper spray 

THIS PROPOSAL WILL BE SUBJECT TO ACREDITED TRAINING AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS.

As security guards are often the first responders to violent situations, it is PARAMOUNT that they are adequately equipped and trained to respond. This should enable EVERYONE to be able to go home safely.

With the recent incidents in NSW which lead to the death of a security officer and recent violent incidents in Tasmania we strongly urge the house to prioritise the safety and well-being of security guards and the public by implementing these crucial measures.