Police Service Administration and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021

Overview

This bill modernises how security is provided at Queensland government buildings by merging two categories of security officers into one and giving them clearer legal powers. It repeals the outdated 1983 State Buildings Protective Security Act and moves relevant provisions into existing police legislation, better integrating Protective Services into Queensland Police Service.

Who it affects

Security officers in government buildings gain expanded powers, while people visiting government buildings may be subject to security screening and name checks. Police officers working in parks and wildlife roles benefit from reduced administrative requirements.

Key changes

• Merges protective security officers and senior protective security officers into one category called 'protective services officers' (PSOs), all with the same powers
• Gives PSOs the power to demand names and addresses from people entering government buildings, conduct security screening, detain suspects, and remove non-compliant persons
• Creates new offences for impersonating a PSO (100 penalty units) and assaulting or obstructing a PSO (40 penalty units or 6 months imprisonment)
• Authorises PSOs to use body-worn cameras and subjects them to the QPS alcohol and drug testing regime
• Removes the need for police officers to carry separate identity cards when working under parks and wildlife legislation