Security Industry Welcomes Legislative Changes

Media release
25 June 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Security Industry Welcomes Legislative Changes

Positive progress in a review of security industry legislation was welcomed by the industry at its annual conference in Auckland today.

New Zealand Security Association spokesperson Scott Carter says an announcement by Associate Justice Minister Clayton Cosgrove in relation to overhauling legislation governing the security industry has been long awaited.

“We have been operating under the Private Investigators and Security Guards Act since 1974 and in the 34 years since then, there have been massive changes to the security environment making it essential that the legislation be updated,” Mr Carter said.

Areas of particular concern to the industry that have been addressed in the amendments to be drafted into the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Bill announced today include compulsory training and efficient licensing and enforcement.

Mr Carter said a great deal of effort has gone into ensuring the security industry is more accountable, responsible and transparent.

“We have been working closely with the Government for the past five years to achieve legislation that focused on more efficient licensing, stronger and more effective enforcement and compulsory training.

“We are most appreciative to those who have worked with us to achieve the results announced today, in particular the Hon Paul Swain who listened to our concerns and undertook to initiate the legislation review and New Zealand First Law and Order spokesperson Ron Mark and Mr Cosgrove who have all worked together to direct legislative reform.”

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