The Security and Investigation Agents (Crowd Controller Licence Suspension) Amendment Bill 2007 seeks to give the Commissioner for Police discretionary powers to determine whether a person, who is working as a security guard or crowd controller, should be suspended due to an allegation of misconduct or criminal behaviour while awaiting trial. At present, regardless of the evidence, or lack thereof, or the persons previous good conduct, the Commissioner must suspend the person's license until the conclusion of any trial or investigation. 

While all allegations must be thoroughly investigated, suspension of a licence for a minor offence or in the face of little evidence until the completion of the trial has the potential to place a significant financial burden both on the person and their family. However, under this Bill, the Commissioner will be able to determine upon the weight of the evidence before them whether the person's license should be suspended or whether they should be able to continue to practice until the completion of the investigation or trial.

To read Ann's speech when introducing the Bill, please click here.