Written by Chris Cubbage – Executive Editor, Australian Security Magazine
What lays ahead for the Australian security industry? Who should we be looking to for leadership? And just how far ahead should our vision extend? These are the questions taking us into the latter part of 2011, and they’re answers likely to take us well beyond 2012.
If the Federal Government is steering the way forward, then Federal Justice Minister Brendon O’Conner and Federal Attorney General Robert McClelland are at the wheel. But if the security industry is steering, then it’s the likes Jason Brown, Ged Byrnes, Steve Jackson and many other association and group presidents, chairmen and CEO’s at the wheel. Yet, the real issue is, who amongst them has the map? Who is charting the course? Who has the big picture of where Australian security needs to be in the future? This is just one of several critical issues facing our AU$6 billion industry.
In what is the first of an ongoing series, ASM also sets out to examine the challenges for law enforcement, the self regulated IT Security Sector and how a multi-jurisdictional approach to managing the security industry is in stark contrast against the Federal Government’s move in safety, health and fighting organised crime and terrorism with national and unified models.
No doubt the security industry is going to see drastic changes within the next five to ten years, and ASM intends to be right there keeping you up-to-date. Because as experienced operatives on the ground, we all know it is not the person steering who determines the direction forward. That power ultimately rests with the person holding the map and setting the direction. And we want to make sure we have the right leaders. Our professional future, along with Australia’s national security, is very much in their hands.
So as we examine the recent past and travel into the latter half of 2011, I invite you keep-up-to date with us. I also welcome your thoughts and comments. Having worked in the public and private sectors of the industry, and holding memberships across several industry associations, I truly believe the contentious issues concerning security are about to be thrust into the spot light. The Australian public are coming to realise they, as a nation, have a vested interest in a strong, unified national security industry.
As it happens, some key national security associations are indeed, well on the way toward mapping a unified security model, one they hope the Federal Government will take heed of and support. But who are our industry leaders and what have they been up to during 2011?
Security Professionals appearing to be making some progress
Described as the industry’s ‘leading light’ by Robert McClelland, Jason Brown, received the inaugural National Security Medal last year for his efforts in driving the industry towards greater professionalism. The former President of the Australian Institute of Professional Intelligence Officers (AIPIO) (1999 – 2001) and Regional Vice President of International Asia Pacific (ASIS), Jason is the Chairman of the Australian Council of Security Professionals (ACSP).
The ACSP has a strong list of committee and association members, represented by leading security practitioners, consultants and researchers. The ACSP is also being observed and partly funded by the Federal Attorney-General’s Office. Interestingly, the Australian Security Industry Association Limited (ASIAL) is an observer and not actually sitting at the table, yet, maybe… To read more subscribe today!
