A group of Tasmanian security officers are calling for the right to carry and use pepper spray and tasers on the job.
‘Support Tassie Security Guards’ says changes are needed to keep security staff safe, particularly in the wake of recent violent incidents that are becoming increasingly common on the mainland.
Security officer Luke Foster has worked in the industry for nearly six years, in roles including patrols, crowd control, cash-in-transit and security at large events.
He says the need for change is “immediate and pressing”.
“During this tenure, I have encountered a myriad of challenging situations, including threats and physical assaults from knife-wielding individuals and motorcycle gang members, stalking and more,” Foster said.
“While some may argue that incidents like those in Bondi are unlikely to occur here, we are already witnessing similar events in our own state.”
“For instance, the recent incident in Bridgewater and regular occurrences in our hospitals … Guards are being threatened, stabbed and even stalked on their way home from work.”
He is leading the group that plans to petition MPs to advocate for changes to security qualifications, granting guards greater access to tools for improved personal and community safety.
“We are seeking increased training in baton and handcuffs, access to gel-based pepper spray, increased access to stab and bulletproof vests and undergarments and access to tasers,” Foster said.
“We believe that with extensive training, these tools can be responsibly used by those who meet certain criteria.”
The state government has acknowledged the risks faced by frontline security workers and is working on legislation that would automatically jail anyone who seriously injures a guard.
“The government is currently preparing a bill, creating a legal presumption of at least six months mandatory jail for offenders who cause a frontline worker serious bodily harm,” a spokesperson said.
“We empathise with security guards and the challenging environment they, like police, can face on a daily basis.”
“Changes to the permitted equipment for security guards requires careful review and won’t be something the government rushes into.”
