G4S began running security operations at the courts on Monday, October 23, after being awarded a five year contact for court security services in August this year. 

Court security services at Ballarat and other regional centres was previously supplied by Wilson Security with G4S making sweeping changes.

A spokesperson for Court Services Victoria confirmed the Ballarat Court Complex will have entry screening equipment including an x-ray baggage machine and a walk through metal detector. 

The upgrades and new equipment are expected to be operational by the end of November.  

Court Security Officers (CSO) will also have expanded powers under new state government legislation to perform bag searches, ask for names and addresses and escort people around the courts and court car parks. 

A spokesperson from G4S said the same firm delivering security services at all courts and tribunals in the state will mean more uniform and coordinated responses.

“The provision of these state-wide security services will allow for the delivery of consistent safety and security services to Court Services Victoria, maintaining a safe and secure environment for all court users,” they said. 

G4S has attracted controversy in recent years after almost 2000 detainees from the Manus Island detention centre sued G4S, the federal government, and Broadspectrum for injury and false imprisonment claims. 

The government and two security firms continued to deny responsibility in the case despite settling the matter out of court for $70 million dollars. 

The new Justice Legislation Amendment (Court Security, Juries and Other Matters) Bill 2017 allows G4S CSOs to: