Pullman on Swanston guards paid to patrol

The Pullman on Swanston hotel has been empty for two weeks, but security guards are still being paid to patrol the site.

Private security are being used to patrol an empty quarantine hotel. Picture: David Crosling/NCA NewsWire.

Taxpayers are footing the bill for security guards to patrol an empty hotel quarantine site, it has been revealed.

Private security guards are being used to watch the empty Pullman on Swanston despite the hotel sitting empty since February 25.

The controversial return of private contractors to the hotel quarantine program forced COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria to clarify the guards would be removed once the program resumed.

Guards have been stationed overnight in the foyer following a recent burglary.

They are not permitted to enter any CQV staffing areas or hotel floors unless there is a security incident.

“The Pullman on Swanston has been given a temporary exemption from CQV to hire private security to guard the hotel overnight – while it is offline and not being used for hotel quarantine,” a CQV spokeswoman said.

“The hotel is one of nine CQV sites that is non-operational and without residents while international travel into Melbourne is paused.

“The hotel requested the exemption after a recent break-in, so they could ensure the remaining staff are safe and site secure – without needing to divert police away from other duties.”

The Pullman Hotel in Melbourne’s CBD. Picture: David Crosling/NCA NewsWire.

The hotel was broken into in late February. Picture: David Crosling/NCA NewsWire.

The hotel was broken into on February 28, three days after the last international arrivals left the hotel.

Two men allegedly broke into the hotel at 4.22am while a hotel reception attendant was on-site and stole phone chargers and empty phone cases.

No one was hurt during the robbery which is currently being investigated by police.

The CQV spokeswoman said when operational, Victoria Police and Australian Defence Force personnel provided a 24/7 presence at the location.

Shadow Minister for Police & Community Safety, David Southwick, slammed the move.

“It is any wonder why Victoria has the worst quarantine program in the nation when Labor keeps cutting corners with community safety?” he said.

“The Andrews Labor Government has to come clean with Victorians about why, despite all promises to the contrary, private security have yet again been placed in hotel quarantine.

“After the multimillion dollar Coate Inquiry recommended private security be removed from hotel quarantine, it seems the Andrews Labor Government has broken its promise and learnt nothing from its mistakes.”