Security Workers are the front line of many public space’s protection.
Like the rest of Australia, we are deeply saddened by the events at the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre.
Our thoughts go out to all of the victims of this tragic event.
Among the many victims were many heroes. Some of the first were Faraz Tahir and his fellow Security Officer, Muhammad Taha.
There can be no doubt that by engaging the offender as he and his partner did, the Security Officers went above and beyond in their line of duty.
We commend the pair for alerting, at an early moment, there was an armed attacker. This action may have directly saved many people’s lives.
Unlike the rest of Australia, we are disappointed knowing that shopping centre management, including Westfield (Scentre group), has seemingly ignored security workers’ concerns about the increase in weapon encounters.
Our members have reported raising concerns and requesting protective equipment, but they have then had those requests turned down. This is unacceptable and, we will argue, increasingly unlawful from a duty of care perspective.
Please read our statement about this increase in weapon encounters and what we believe needs to happen in Victoria as well as the rest of Australia to protect both security workers and the public.
Media Response: The Guadian Australia – Victorian security guards accuse Westfield parent company of ignoring requests for more protection
