Gina joined Doug Townsend on Sonshine FM to discuss the evolving role of private security in Australian cities. The conversation focused on the increasing reliance of local and state governments on private security firms to fill gaps in public safety, particularly as police resources become more stretched.
Gina explained that this trend, currently being trialed in Melbourne, has already been implemented in the Northern Territory and South Australia. She noted that private security firms offer a rapid-response, cost-effective presence that can help mitigate issues such as street crime and public disturbances. However, she emphasised that security personnel lack police powers, including arrest authority and legal backing, which limits their effectiveness in law enforcement roles.
The discussion also covered inconsistencies in security training and licensing across Australian states, which Gina described as a significant challenge. She advocated for a standardised, national training framework to ensure better preparedness for security personnel.
Doug and Gina also examined the broader implications of private security expansion, including its impact on businesses and community safety. While Gina supports any measures that enhance public security, she stressed that relying on private security is only a temporary solution. The real need, she argued, is for increased police recruitment and better support for law enforcement agencies.
Gina highlighted the difficulties in attracting new police recruits, pointing to the demanding nature of the job, challenging hours, and relatively low pay. She shared a recent personal experience where junior police officers, lacking adequate training, struggled to handle a security incident. This, she argued, underscores the urgency of government intervention to address policing shortages and improve officer training.
Overall, the interview underscored the critical role private security plays in supplementing public safety but reinforced that it should not be a long-term substitute for a well-resourced police force.
