Extra guards protect Games
State to cop $2m bill
THE State Government will foot the bill to train 1000 new security guards for next year’s Commonwealth Games.
The Palaszczuk Government will today announce $2 million to train the extra guards to patrol buildings and events during the 2018 Games.
The new recruits will bring the total Games security workforce to 4200 guards.
This comes as four global security companies — MSS Security, Wilson Security, SecureCorp and SNP — were last year appointed as a consortium to manage security for the event.
The new recruits will study a Certificate III in Security Operations expected to be provided directly though the security providers or an external organisation.
Prospective guards can complete the course in several weeks and will be encouraged to obtain two separate industry security licences as an unarmed guard and crowd controller, as well.
GOLDOC Chairman Peter Beattie AC said local employment was central to the Games.
“More than 30 per cent of the security workforce deployed must reside in either the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Logan, Redland or Ipswich local authority areas ensuring jobs for residents across the South East,” he said.
Minister for Training and Skills Yvette D’Ath said the security and training boost would support the delivery of a safe and successful event for athletes, staff, volunteers and visitors.
“The new, fully-trained officers will boost the security guard ranks to 4200 personnel working at the Commonwealth Games,” Mrs D’Ath said.
“Our strategy will also help expand the security provider network in South East Queensland, Townsville and Cairns, where some Commonwealth Games events will also be held, and support future employment opportunities within the industry.”
Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones said the Games would support 30,000 jobs and inject more than $2 billion into the Queensland economy.
“We’re on track, on target and on budget to deliver the best Games ever and we have committed $1.5 billion to help make this happen,” she said.