Page 5804 - Week 14 - Wednesday, 7 December 2011
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that includes canine units, thermal imaging and covert mobile video surveillance units. Minister, what are the licensing and regulatory requirements for private security firms using dogs for patrolling public places? How are the security guards permitted to use the dogs?
MR CORBELL: I would have to seek some advice on the specifics of the regulatory arrangements but in general the regulatory arrangements would ensure that security guards are appropriately licensed under the relevant security industry legislation. The owners of those businesses would be required to meet particular regulatory obligations in relation to their skills, experience and expertise. I would expect the firms that have been engaged by private businesses in this regard to meet those requirements.
MR SPEAKER: Supplementary, Ms Hunter.
MS HUNTER: Minister, what are the licensing and regulatory requirements for private security firms using virtual security devices such as thermal imaging and covert mobile video surveillance units in public places, and what public notification is required for such surveillance in this area?
MR CORBELL: Devices can only be used for the surveillance of private property and, as I understand it, the security agents who have been engaged for this exercise have been engaged for the purposes of protecting private property from vandalism and criminal damage. So the normal provisions apply in relation to the operation of security surveillance devices. The provisions of the Privacy Act, the provisions that may be set out in new legislation that this Assembly has considered in relation to the use of workplace surveillance, if that is applicable, would be the sorts of legislative regimes that would apply. But I would really need to seek some further more detailed advice on the specifics of the issues Ms Hunter raises.
MS LE COUTEUR: Supplementary, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Ms Le Couteur.
MS LE COUTEUR: Minister, what power do security guards have to apprehend potential offenders and what agreements have been made with the ACT police?
MR CORBELL: As far as I am aware, no specific arrangements have been entered into with ACT Policing. Private security personnel do have some limited capacity in relation to detaining a person until a police officer is called, but that would be no different from a security guard in any other circumstance around the city.
MS BRESNAN: A supplementary.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Ms Bresnan.
MS BRESNAN: Minister, who outside of the police does the government support using dogs and other surveillance devices in the public domain?
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