This site is dedicated to the ongoing struggle of security officers
and professional security providers with the elite members of the Club.

I feel indignant at the blatant arrogance and disregard for justice by the NSW Premier Carr, Whelan and Police Commissioner Ryan.  I am greatly encouraged by the support I have received from security professionals and security officers not just in NSW but also Australia wide.  Indeed news of our plight has gone as far as the US and Europe.

I hope that together we will be able to break the monopoly which is suffocating the NSW Security Industry.

Shame Carr, Shame Whelan, Shame Ryan

Alexander Wilon JP PhD

Find below in chronological order a diary of events

9 September 1998

(Our response to the refusal by the NSW Police Commissioner Ryan to approve NASPA and many other worthy associations)

The NSW Security Industry and your future have been handed over to the usual "elite" few.  NASPA and many other worthy associations have been denied the right to serve their members.  NASPA had been warned that the selection process had been infiltrated by "mates" of the "club".  However, we had hoped that the newly formed NSW Police Security Industry Registry Unit would have intervened to prevent irregularities.

Unfortunately, as expected,  "the mates, the boys from the old brigade" have managed to legislate themselves into power and secure their unethical grip on the industry.  As a result a monopoly has been set up from which there is no escape.

These "approved" associations will be given the legal right to audit your business activities--that is inspect your books and carry out whatever investigation they see fit without your approval or a court order.  This means the audits may be instigated at any time the "approved association" sees fit.

The NSW Police Security Industry Registry is confident that the "approved associations" will not use the audit process as means to find out vital information about competitors, or to harass and destroy non-members of the "club". This demonstrates the naivety and poor judgement of the Unit.

The NSW Security Industry is infested with persons of dubious moral standards, and unethical behaviour.  The NSW Security Industry is not yet ready for self regulation and it will not be ready for such a responsibility until the "club" mentality under which it functions has been truly eradicated.

At NASPA we fully agree that security companies should be subject to scrutiny.  However, this scrutiny should be carried out under strict guidelines and by approved and well trained persons.  Most importantly, the auditing process should not be carried out by persons who have a direct or indirect interest in the industry.

Under NASPA's system, companies would be first given the opportunity to self assess (a practice widely used within the Australian Recognition Framework) and provide evidence of compliance.  In our submission NASPA had clearly defined the responsibilities of the auditors and had set in place a system which would prevent abuse by the auditing body--however our submission was rejected.  It was rejected because it posed too many restrictions on the "club members".  It was rejected because the "club members" do not want competition.  They know that if a competitor association was to be approved they would lose their grip on the industry and probably be forced out of business.

Unless you take action, your future as security providers and the future of the NSW Security Industry is doomed.  The "club members" will direct their efforts to eliminate any form of competition and punish those who do not belong to the club. With the help of the authorities whom they control they will make it difficult if not impossible for the average small trader to exist.

The apathy of NSW Security Industry providers is responsible for these events taking place.  Should you have acted earlier, many years ago, to prevent the formation of this powerful club there would not have been any need for draconian legislation.  The security industry, under a fair and ethical leadership would have been able to self regulate, and today you would have been the proud members of a splendid industry.

If you fail to act this time you will lose all future opportunities to have any influence in what happens to your industry.

Do not ring NASPA and complain about corporate business taking over.  Do not complain to us about favouritism and companies convicted of fraud receiving awards for excellence.  Do not complain to us about being ignored and bypassed during the formation of legislation's which affects your livelihood.  Act now!

Contact you local member of Parliament and demand the right to join the association of your choice--not just NASPA but any association you choose.

Ask you local member of Parliament to call for an amendment to the NSW Security Industry Act and Regulations to prevent the "club members" from taking control of the industry.

Write to the NSW Premier and Leader of  the Opposition, the NSW Police Commissioner and the NSW Police Minister.

How you can help

NASPA also needs your financial support to place advertisements in the media and to pay for legal costs.  Send your donations to NASPA, Post Office Box 319 Oberon NSW 2787 or use the on line form.

Read our formal protest letter to the authorities and ICAC.  Download it, sign it and mail it to anyone whom you feel is able to help our cause.

Contact us with any information that may help our barrister to present our case, or to bring corrupt individuals to trial.  This is your last chance.

9 September 1998

To ...

    The NSW Premier Mr. Carr
    The Minister for Police and Emergency Services
    The NSW Police Commissioner
    The Leader of the Opposition Mr. Collins
    Independent Commission Against Corruption
    The Manager of the NSW Police Security Industry Unit
 

Subject: Corrupt practices within the NSW Security Industry

I am writing to bring this important matter to your attention.

The newly formed NSW Security Industry Registry Unit called for expressions of interest from associations for the purpose of fulfilling the new compulsory membership requirements.

During a meeting held at the NSW Police Centre, security providers were alarmed at the prospect of being forced to join associations that are renowned for nepotism, parochialism and unethical practices.  Participants were reassured that new associations would be allowed to apply for approval.

The high number of associations who lodged for approval clearly demonstrated an unprecedented lack of confidence in the current associations.

NASPA applied for approval along with many other worthy associations.  However, it soon became obvious that the process of adjudication was flawed right from the start.  We received several calls from supporters who told us that the adjudicating panel set up to recommend the approval of associations was heavily infiltrated by "mates" of the traditional associations.  We were told that NASPA was considered a threat because of its low membership fees and rapid rise in  membership numbers.  We were informed that because of these reasons we were  unlikely to receive approval.

We are also aware that many other worthy organizations were also refused on the basis that they would prove a formidable competition to the "boys from the old brigade".

We have attached to this fax a letter sent to the NSW Police Security Industry Registry Unit.

We do not believe that Mr. Houlton and members of the registry are corrupt or even willing participants.  We recognize that the Unit has worked very hard to implement the new Act in a friendly and positive manner.  However, we definitely believe that they have been misled during the selection process of the adjudicating panel and have become inadvertent accomplices in this unfortunate matter.

This is not the first time the NSW Police was mislead in creating a monopoly for unethical security providers.  There are many other precedents.  These and many other corrupt practices caused the Industrial Commission to damn the management of the security industry during the CIT Inquiry.  The new Security Industry Act 1997 was passed by the Government to supposedly remove the criminal and unethical element from the industry.

NASPA believes that a thorough investigation of past and present management practices of the Security Industry is imperative.  Without it, the new Security Industry Act will fail to produce the objectives it set out to achieve.  We already notice that the stringent training standards that were supposed to take place are already being thwarted by greedy and unethical training providers.   We notice how "members of the elite" are able to manipulate legislation and authorities to secure their future grip on the industry.

We firmly believe that an investigation into the NSW security industry would provide considerably more evidence of corruption than that uncovered within the NSW Police Service.

We respectfully ask that the process of appointment of approved associations should be suspended pending an investigation by ICAC.

We are certain that your office will intervene to put an end, once and for all, to the corrupt and unethical practices that taint our industry, and remove domination by the few, powerful "club members" of the NSW Security Industry.

On behalf of the seventy two members of NASPA and other aggrieved security industry associations.

Yours respectfully,
 

Alexander Wilon JP PhD
Chief Executive Officer

11 February 1999:  We did receive the standard politician reply to our letters from Whelan and the NSW Police Commissioner Ryan.  To this date there has been no substantial change.
 

11 February 1999

We have received a letter from the Master Locksmiths Associations stating they will not be accepting applications for membership by security providers.  Despite the fact that they were approved by the NSW Security Industry Unit for the purpose of fulfilling the compulsory membership under clause 8 of the regulation.

This leaves all security providers with little choice of membership.

Moreover the club members have also stripped the Appeals Tribunal of it powers in an unethical attempt to control the industry.

Shame Mr. Carr Shame Mr. Whelan Shame NSW Police Commissioner

Alexander Wilon JP PhD

23 March 1999

I  have written to all the major political parties, including John Tingle Shooters Party, asking them to repeal the unjust and undemocratic regulation which forces security providers to join associations they do not respect.

We also wrote about the urgent need to restore powers to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.  These powers were taken away by the Carr Government.  As it stands the Tribunal can no longer adjudicate or reverse decisions made by the NSW Police Commissioner with regards to licensing.

This morning I received a phone call from Mr. David Oldfield of NSW One Nation Party.  Mr. Oldfield assured me he was opposed to the regulation which forces security providers to join an "approved" association.  Mr Oldfield told me he will oppose the regulation if elected into Parliament.

We received a reply from Mr. John Tingle (Shooters Party) who has expressed his willingness to support amendments to the regulations, should they be introduced.

We have also received a reply from Mr. Souris Leader of the National Party who advised us that on coming to Government he would ensure a review of the provision of this Legislation to ascertain if there is sufficient expert evidence to warrant changes to the Act.
 

29 March 1999

I should like to thank all the colleagues who rallied around me and helped support Mr. David Oldfield, the Shooter's Party and the Independent candidates who will oppose the Carr's Government unjust, draconian, undemocratic and unconstitutional regulation that forces security providers to join associations they do not respect.

We must now ensure that all possible legal avenues are used to expose the disgraceful corruption and nepotism that exists in our industry.  We must embarrass and expose the club members and their political allies.

Most importantly we must place our full support behind the parties who are willing to help us rid the Australian Security Industry of the club members and their despicable laws. Please click here for full details.

During the last election it became evident that none of the major parties were interested in our plight.

Had it not been for Mr. David Oldfield and Mr. John Tingle and some of the Independent candidates, the Australian Security Industry would have been sold out to the club members for ever.

As it stands we have hope.  Our hope lies in the future actions of these parties and people.  I urge you to offer the One Nation Party, the Shooters Party and Independents whatever support you can muster.

Meanwhile, I shall be writing to all security providers in NSW with a view to launch a class action to challenge the unjust, draconian Club Members Act (also known as the NSW Security Industry Act and Regulation).

We will also write about the urgent need to restore powers to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.  These powers were taken away by the Carr Government.  As it stands the Tribunal can no longer adjudicate or reverse decisions made under the Club Members Act.

24 May 1999

We have received a letter from an aggrieved member who was refused membership from the Australian Retailers Association despite being a retailer of security products.  ARA wrote to the member that they were instructed by the NSW Security Industry Registry Unit not to accept applications from security providers.  The following is a verbatim reproduction of the letter from the ARA to our member.
 

BEGINNING OF LETTER

May 21 1999,

Dear ######,

Thank you for you recent application to join our Association.

Unfortunately, we are unable to accept this application due to the fact that your organization does not qualify under the Association's Constitution to meet membership requirements.

Membership to the ARA-NSW is only available to retailers and I am sure that you will agree the ###### does not fall into this category.

Since the registration of the Association as an ASIO we have received numerous phone calls from security suppliers, installers, etc. requesting membership of the ARA-NSW. We are advising these people that they also do not qualify for membership.

The main reason why the Association sought ASIO registration was to assist our members to meet their requirements under the Security Industry Act 1997.

We have also advised the Security Industry Registry that the Association will not be joining up any security business as a member, unless they qualify as a retailer, ie sells from a retail shop.  If the application relates to an organisation involved in both retailing and installation of security equipment the the retail activity must be the predominant business of the organisation (eg accounting for over 75% of gross revenue).

Discussion with the Security Industries Registry has confirmed that our ASIO approval was based on the assumption that we would primarily cover the retail industry and security services associated with retail operations.

The Security Industry Registry also accepted that some of our members may be involved in the selling and installation of security equipment and may need to be accommodates.  However, they do not want the Association to move too far away from the intended area of coverage.

So as you can see from all the above, we are unable to accommodate your organisation with membership of the ARA-NSW.

I return therewith your application form and cheque.  Should you wish to discuss any aspect of this issue with me please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,

Bromwen Toovey,
Executive Officer
Membership Services

END  OF LETTER

24 May 1999

We have reproduced a letter from an aggrieved member to the ACCC following the refusal of membership by the Australian Retailers Association.
 
 

BEGINNING OF LETTER

24 May 1999

For the Urgent Attention of Mr. Mike Kiley
Director Enforcement ACCC
By Fax 02-62431078

Dear Mr. Kiley,

Subject: Refusal of membership to an association

####### is a licensed security provider and licensed retailer and dealer of security products.

As from the 30th of June all security providers are being compelled to join an “approved” association or risk losing their Master Licence.

The NSW Police Security Industry Registry Unit, wrote to us and provided us with a list of names of Associations which had been approved for the purpose of satisfying the requirements.

During a meeting held at the NSW Police Centre, we were alarmed at the prospect of being forced to join associations that are renowned for nepotism, parochialism and unethical practices.  Our view was shared by all participants at the meeting.

We were informed by the NSW Police Registry that several organizations would be approved and that we need not worry about this issue.

Eight associations were approved for the purpose of satisfying the new regulation.

However, we now find that of these eight associations, only two will accept membership from security providers, despite the fact that all eight Associations were approved to satisfy the requirements of the NSW Security Industry Act.

On the 11th of May, we applied for membership with the Australian Retailers Association.

During a discussion with the executive of the ARA, we explained that ##### held the class 2B licence (retailer of security products) and the NSW Police Dealer Licence.  For these reasons we therefore qualified for membership with the ARA.  We received an application form and forwarded it with payment.

On the 21st of May we received a reply from the ARA stating that ######## did not qualify as a retailer and therefore could not be granted membership.  In the letter, Ms Toovey, Executive Officer, stated that the NSW Security Industry Registry had granted approval to the ARA on the assumption that it would not accept applications from security providers.

We assert the following:

1.   ####### does qualify as a member of the ARA and should be allowed to join.

2.   The forcing of security providers to join an association is undemocratic, unlawful and monopolistic.

3.  The approval process of Associations conducted by the NSW Police Commissioner should be investigated for mismanagement and nepotism.

As it stands, unless ###### joins an association by the 30th of June, it will be denied the right to trade.  Therefore, I should appreciate it if you could give this matter your most urgent attention.

We look forward to your comments.

Yours sincerely,

################3

Enclosed letter from NSW Police and letter from ARA

END OF LETTER

29 June 1999

The Honourable Richard Jones
M.L.C Legislative Council
Parliament House
SYDNEY NSW 2000 By Facsimile 02-92302871

Dear Mr. Jones,

Firstly, I should like to commend you on your decisive leadership which I hope has prevented the Carr Government from yet another step towards the erosion of democracy in NSW.

I forwarded copies of your letter to all our members, and I also posted it on the Internet. Our members' response was of profound indignation and anger, and many of them assisted in the further distribution of the letter.

The leader of the National Party Mr. Souris recently described the Current Government as "The Carr Mafia Government".

Due to the lack of a realistic opposition, the Carr Government and his supporters have embarked on dictatorial style of leadership which, if unchecked, will lead to a totalitarian style government.

I also thank you for forwarding a copy of the letter from the Minister of Police. Mr. Whelan's response did not surprise me. As you know, I have no confidence whatsoever in Mr. Whelan and the Carr Government appointed Police Commissioner Ryan.

I am amazed that the NSW Police Commissioner was unable to detect that the principle power players governing the NSW Security Industry have now created a monopoly from which there is no escape.

Everyone in the security industry is aware of the hopeless state of affairs of our industry--everyone but the NSW Police Minister and the NSW Police Commissioner.

Everyone is aware of the low morale and desperation in the NSW Police Service which is causing our best officers to resign in droves--everyone but the NSW Police Minister and the NSW Police Commissioner

In a letter to my office ICAC merely stated that the nature of the matter raised did not fall within their jurisdiction. ICAC informed me that they had forwarded the matter to the NSW Police Commissioner for investigation--an investigation which of course failed to produce any results.

NASPA firmly believes that if an Independent enquiry was to be held in the management of the NSW Security Industry, it would produce far more evidence of corrupt conduct than that produced during the recent enquiry in the NSW Police Service.

If given the opportunity, I would be delighted to head the enquiry and help the NSW Police Commissioner discover the necessary evidence.

I strongly support reforms to the NSW Security Industry, indeed, I believe that the reforms should be held at a national level. I was delighted to read the findings of the Industrial Commission CIT Enquiry. The Commission was highly critical of the NSW Police management of the NSW Security Industry, and recommended immediate action.

Regrettably, I saw the same incompetent individuals involved in the "restructuring" process. The NSW Security Industry Act and Regulations were hurriedly passed in an attempt to satisfy the Commission's recommendations.

During a recent poll conducted by NASPA, it was found that only 6 security companies out of 408 had been consulted.

By forcing security providers to join associations "approved" by the Commissioner, and by refusing that approval to many worthy organisations merely because they did not belong to the "Club", the "Club Members" have firmly established a deadly grip on the industry.

This grip has begun monopolisation of the industry and ultimately will result in poor quality of service due to reduced competition and criminal activity.

To be frank with you, I feel that the NSW Security Industry is now beyond recovery. We are dealing with a very powerful "club" cooperating with a mafia style government. We are also dealing with an impotent opposition.

NASPA will continue to oppose the NSW Security Industry Act and Regulation (aka the Club Members Act and Regulation). We will continue to recommend the suspension of the Act and Regulation and a consultation process involving every member of the security industry, not just the "Club Members".

Please do not hesitate to seek my personal support in preventing the Carr Mafia Government from eroding the democratic rights of the citizens of NSW.

Warm regards,



Alexander Wilon JP PhD
Chief Executive Officer  
 

* The term club member applies to a small group of unethical, greedy people, who have been dominating the NSW Security Industry for the past 15 years.  The club members enjoy the support of corrupt politicians and corrupt authorities.  Through these connections club members are attempting to set up a monopoly in the industry--not just in NSW but Australia wide.
 
 

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