Security Professionals Function to Launch Security is Your Business

Canberra Museum and Gallery, London Circuit, Canberra

Wednesday 2 December 2009, 5.05pm

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Acknowledgements

Other Acknowledgements

Introduction

  1. It's a pleasure to join you all.
    Especially with the number of security and intelligence professionals present.
  2. I'd like to briefly acknowledge those of you from:
    • the Australasian Council of Security Professionals
    • the Australian Institute of Professional Intelligence Officers
    • the ACT, NSW, Victoria and New Zealand chapters of ASIS International
    • the Canberra chapter of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association
    • the Risk Management Institution of Australasia, and
    • the Australian Institute of Professional Investigators.
  3. I think it's fair to say that the variety of associations at this function reflects the complexity of modern day security.

Improving the Security Industry

  1. This event is also a good opportunity for me to commend the formation of the Australasian Council of Security Professionals.
  2. As you well know, threats to national security now go beyond terrorism and territorial borders.
    They include serious and organised crime, electronic attack and natural disasters.
  3. To ensure the private security industry continues to make its important contribution to national security, we must do all we can to make sure we have the highest industry standards.
  4. Business leaders have an obligation to take all steps reasonably available to protect their company from foreseeable risks.
  5. To assist in this, Government provides information to help them understand the range and likelihood of threats and hazards.
    Business then has the obligation to take the necessary steps to manage this risk.
  6. Government can't give detailed directions on specific security solutions.
    Such advice must take into account the intricacies of the business operations, applicable regulations and controls ‑ and not least, the investment decisions that the business has to make.
  7. Business seeks this type of detailed and specific advice from either in-house professionals, or from professionals in the marketplace.
  8. When a business goes to the market it wants to be sure it's getting the best advice from competent and honest professionals.
  9. The Council of Australian Government's (COAG) decision last year to reform security licences will help achieve this.
    Just last week the Ministerial Council on Police and Emergency Management agreed to more reforms as part of the COAG initiative on harmonising private security regulations.
  10. This means states and territories will be introducing common training standards for guards, and common background checking for all types of security licenses.
  11. This will not only increase the competencies and skills of security staff.
    It will also increase confidence and trust in security personnel by removing criminal elements.
  12. The best way to identify genuine security professionals is by the judgement of their peers.
    And this is where the work of the new Council comes into play.
  13. It aims to benefit the broader community
    • by operating as the recognised authority on security professional ideals, conduct, standards and practice, and
    • by having an active voice on security related matters of national policy development, regulation and education.
  14. I think this is a smart and strategic move forward.  It will improve the recognition of security professionals – both by purchasers and regulators.
  15. In turn, this will lead to improvements in the quality of security services available to business, especially those in critical infrastructure.
  16. So I'm fully supportive of the contribution the new Council can make to improving the standards of security and risk management services.
  17. I believe these actions will certainly help benefit the broader community.

The Role of Clients and Purchasers

  1. Another way to boost the industry is to implement the security performance standards demanded by customers and delivered by security businesses.
  2. I actively encourage clients and purchasers of security services to have high expectations – because this will lead to security business owners constantly improving the professionalism of their business.
  3. Likewise, you should also encourage clients to ask for the level of security they realistically need to safeguard their business operations.
    This isn't just about them saving money, or you making money.
    It's about cost effective security that contributes to the economic and social wellbeing of Australia.

Cyber Security

  1. Another advancement made recently is in regard to online security.
  2. Last week I launched the Australian Government's new Cyber Security Strategy.
  3. It spells out the security challenges all Australians face when they go online.
    And it describes what the Australian Government is doing to help them manage that risk with confidence.
  4. Our aim is to give all Australians the information and practical tools needed to be secure online.
  5. We're also going to work with business and our international partners to help create a culture of security on the internet.
  6. These partnerships are vital for securing sensitive information and resources – and ensuring the private sector can continue to reap the benefits of the digital economy.
  7. The Strategy has been summarised in a brochure for home users and small businesses – and I encourage you all to check it out – it's available on my Department's website – www.ag.gov.au
  8. Of course, we're also keen for all Australians to get practical advice on how to protect their identities and understand what to do if they've been a victim of identity theft.
  9. And so I launched the new identity theft booklet, Protecting Your Identity.
  10. It provides important information and tools to help people protect their identities, privacy and finances online.

Launch Security is Your Business

  1. Today, I am very pleased to be launching another initiative – the security awareness DVD Security is Your Business.
  2. And I must say, it's great to see so many of the other presenters featured in the DVD at this event.
  3. Needless to say, Security is Your Business provides professional, constructive security advice from some of Australia's top experts in the field.
  4. It addresses security, risk management and resilience.
    And it aims to help clients better understand the different security issues they should consider in specifying security requirements.
  5. As I said earlier informed clients that demand high levels of service play a key role in improving standards.
  6. This DVD is effectively a security conference-in-a-box.
    And it's designed to help clients become smart shoppers.
  7. Through the Trusted Information Sharing Network (TISN) my Department promotes awareness of security risks, and ensures that information and techniques needed to assess and mitigate risks is readily available and freely exchanged.
  8. So I am delighted that my Department is the major sponsor of this product.
    And I congratulate the private sector sponsors who have made a considerable investment to promote security best practice.
  9. I encourage you all to view Security is Your Business.
    If you see Rod Cowan, the producer, I'm sure he will get you a copy.

Conclusion

  1. So thank you for inviting me here.
    I hope you enjoy the rest of this evening's function.
    I wish you a safe and happy Christmas.
    And I look forward to hearing about your progress over the new year.

ENDS (approx 1,150 words)