Small Business People and the Nation’s Security

Small business people are not just the backbone of our economy, of our communities and our culture - they are also vital to our national and local security.

In 2015 the security situation in Australia was, as it is now, at a high level. As I was involved in the small business sector, I was approached by security officials from the Federal Department of the Attorney General (AGs) to discuss small business and its role in national security. This was initially about any suspicious purchase of chemicals that could be used for criminal or terrorist purposes.

After some discussion we saw that the small business community could assist with more than the dangerous misuse of chemicals.

Even though the officials did not want to alarm anyone they certainly wanted small business people to be aware that the level of threat from terrorism in our country was elevated and that people need to report anything suspicious to the relevant authorities. They saw the small business community as a key part of our country’s security awareness. 

We see from the tragic and horrifying events at Bondi, the behaviour of some of the sovereign citizens and the awful events at Christchurch in New Zealand, that we need to revisit the role of small business in our security.

Small business people, like us all, are in a position to be affected by tragedy and importantly they are also in a pronounced position to spot suspicious behaviours and events and report them.

There are over 2 million small business people in Australia. They cover nearly all aspects of our society and importantly are found in all communities. They are truck drivers, retailers, hairdressers, farmers, real estate agents, financial advisers, café and restaurant owners, wholesalers, contractors, builders, tradespeople and the like. They know things and have networks and share information of worry and concern.

By the nature of business, when they are in or near their business their awareness is naturally enhanced. Any recent change in local conditions will be noticed, and any strange person or event will be watched with suspicion until proven good. They will also note any odd business transaction - and this is particularly important. For example small business finance brokers can spot money laundering and/or a request for a loan for strange activities which could shed a light on unlawful behaviour. Banks can monitor activities through technology and reports, but the small business person can also see the people involved and they will know when something is odd, something that a financial report might not highlight.

We also know that stock and station agents will note and report any odd purchases of agricultural chemicals. This can easily apply to many other industries with access to chemicals including hairdressing, panel beating and auto repairs, most trades, retailing, pharmacies, cleaning, transport, service stations and many others.

Back in 2015 the people from AGs did not want to alarm us and were very keen that we did not alarm anyone else. We did however agree that a message needed to be sent to small business people - if you see something or someone odd or suspicious or something strangely different from normal, don’t be alarmed but do contact the authorities and let them know your concerns. The authorities will deal with the issue.

The approach to this need then involved working with small business associations to help them inform their members about the need to report anything odd or concerning. Industry associations know how to communicate with their members so as not to alarm them but to build on their behaviours and values to keep members alert and connected.

Back then, there were also some comments about the ‘profiling’ that may occur - that particular groups or individuals would be targeted. There was a fear for example that any odd-behaviour from an innocent person would be targeted and reported with dire consequences.

Small business people are part of their community, they know all the so-called odd people in and around them. Usually, this is the unfortunate – the homeless, those who talk to themselves and so on.

The local police will also know these people. They won’t be reported. The main focus is on new customers who do not fit into that particular business sector, who are buying things in quantity or acting in a way that the business owner – and the employees – know isn’t right.

So, yes, we can and should report suspicious behaviour to the right authorities.

The contact number and the website information is: National Security Hotline 1800 123 400     www.nationalsecurity.gov.au