A company that won a $5 million contract to provide court security in Tasmania says it is struggling to attract suitable staff.
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Wilson Security won a four-year tender in 2018 through until 2022.
In recent weeks shortages of staff at the Launceston and Burnie Magistrates Court have required secondment of Tasmanian Prison Service staff and Department of Justice security staff employed at the Supreme Court in Launceston.
"Wilson Security faces an ongoing challenge in finding local high calibre candidates due in part to a national, industry-wide shortage of qualified personnel," a spokesperson said.
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"Continuing surge requirements, and ad hoc supply demands further add to the complexity of these challenges, as does our preference to maintain a direct employment model rather than rely on security labour partners.
"We maintain open communication with our customer regarding the services we provide to ensure services are delivered to the required standard."
A Department of Justice spokesman said the department and Wilson Security management were in regular contact with regard to the contractual arrangements between the parties.
"The Court and the Department are committed to ensuring the safety and security of everyone within the Court buildings and continue to work to maintain the provision of high-quality security services," the spokesman said.
The United Workers Union has expressed concern about safety as a result of the shortage.
Among the concerns is security officers having to bring offenders to court without backup.
Tasmania state secretary, United Workers Union Jannette Armstrong said job insecurity was widespread among guards hired under Wilson Security's contracts throughout Tasmania.
"Across the state Wilson Security has a terrible track record of poorly paying workers, giving workers little-to-no certainty over their shifts, and failing to adequately address workplace safety issues," she said.
"Workers have no access to formal training and are forced to "learn on the job".
"United Workers Union is demanding direct employment of contracted guards working within both the Tasmanian government justice and health departments, allowing workers to have jobs they can count on."
The Department of Justice that when the Wilson Security contract ends it will go out to public tender in accordance with Treasury requirements.
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