Security guards not interviewed or checked before being recruited to work sport events, concerts

Security companies are recruiting unlicensed guards from social media due to staff shortages as some security workers are “too scared” to work high-risk events.

Security checks at the gate for the 2016 AFL Grand final between The Western Bulldogs and the Sydney Swans. Saturday, Oct 1. 2016. Picture: David Crosling

Security companies are recruiting unlicensed guards from internet chat groups as long delays plague the industry.

The Sunday Herald Sun can reveal dozens of security companies are using dodgy tactics to recruit unlicensed guards on Facebook and WhatsApp groups, without doing proper checks.

It can also be revealed there have been “serious concerns” raised about unlicensed staff being recruited to work at major events in Melbourne including sports and concerts.

This means licensed guards are swamped for work at low risk events, while higher risk events are struggling to recruit properly credentialed and trained guards.

Key industry players have also questioned how the state will meet its commitment for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, predicted to need 3500 security personnel.

The Sunday Herald Sun has also spoken to multiple security workers, who say they are “too scared” to work at A-League games and high-risk events.

A bleeding Tom Glover of Melbourne City is escorted by team mates after fans stormed the pitch in December 17, 2022. Picture: Darrian Traynor

“There are many of us who have been assaulted at A-League games. Bottles and other objects have been thrown at us, it’s a really confronting environment,” one security worker said.

“We are also too scared to work at rap concerts as there can often be fights and even drug use.”

Another security worker, who has worked in the industry for more than 20 years, said he was aware of several security companies failing to check licenses when hiring guards from social media groups.

“I’ve personally worked with staff that have been hired from Facebook groups at the last minute that I know do not hold security licenses,” he said.

Melbourne City's Luke Brattan says sorry to a security guard after hitting him during the warm up. Picture: George Salpigtidis

“The biggest risk with this is that if a high-risk incident does occur and guards don’t have adequate training, it can cause serious safety issues.

“I’m also really concerned about the upcoming Comm Games, with the current shortages I doubt the demands for security will be met.”

The managing director of a prominent Melbourne security company said guards were often not interviewed or had their credentials checked.

“There is also no training or inductions provided,” he said.

“The persons posting the jobs use second mobile numbers, do not include their business security licence, labour hire licence and some pay cash straight into their nominated account.”

He said he had seen a rise in multiple online platforms being used to recruit guards for jobs including bars, clubs, building sites, government buildings and hospitals.

There has also been interest in security work from many retired emergency services personnel.

A fan was tackled by security after he ran on the field at AAMI Park. Picture: Tracey Nearmy

Police Veterans Victoria chief executive officer David McGowan said there were many former members who wanted to fill part-time or casual positions in the industry at a time of severe labour shortages.

He said the background and experience of those people would be ideal for security jobs but that the licensing delays were proving a “hindrance” to getting them on board.

One security course provider said delays in issuing licences had led to a downturn in his business.

The operator said many potential workers could not see the point in paying in the order of $1500 to do a course and potentially another $1000 in other expenses to get accreditation in a field they would not work in for the next six months.

“The delay is deterring them from taking the next step,” he said.

A Victoria Police spokesman said Victoria Police’s Licensing and Regulation Division (LRD) continually assessed the suitability of individuals and businesses to hold private security licenses and registrations.

“A range of compliance and enforcement activities are undertaken to ensure both individuals and businesses are complying with the conditions of their private security licence,” he said.

“Anyone caught breaching the conditions of their licences may be liable for a range of actions, including the immediate suspension and eventual cancellation of licences and registrations.”

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