The Base Security Improvement Program (BSIP) required design and delivery of physical and technical security upgrades to sixteen major Defence bases over several years. Exceeding a combined program value of $250M, each of the 16 sites had to pass 5%, 30%, 50%, 90%, and 100% design milestones, acceptance from Australian Defence Force and Public Service stakeholders, as well formal clearance by the Parliamentary Works Committee.
Site security risk assessments, and security-in-design reports, informed each design milestone, stakeholder acceptance schedule and the submission to the Parliamentary Works Committee. Each assessment and report aligned with ISO31000, HB167, PSPF and Defence security policy principles.
Providence security risk specialists were intimately involved in all aspects of the program particularly in the development of the security risk assessments, security-in-design evaluations and engaging with the many stakeholders to gain their buy-in and concurrence.
Providence was engaged by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) to modernise their compliance with the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF) and evaluate physical security measures based on ASIO Technical Notes. This project aimed to identify security gaps and ensure alignment with government requirements.
Providence conducted comprehensive physical security site surveys for all AEC office locations, providing assessments to meet PSPF expectations. A standardised framework was developed to evaluate each location’s security risk profile, ensuring consistency in applying physical security measures across the AEC property portfolio.
Deliverables included the design of an Agency Security Plan, a security risk management framework, and a structured system for adjusting security postures in response to environmental changes. These tools enabled the AEC to manage and report on protective security risks more effectively. Providence’s expertise enhanced AEC’s protective security governance and provided a repeatable method for assessing security maturity across different periods.
Providence staff have conducted several security-related assessments at JDFPG to evaluate alignment between security measures and the threat/risk environment. Noting the operational and diplomatic sensitivities surrounding JDFPG, all activities required a very considered, nuanced and diligent approach to stakeholder engagement. Through this finely balanced approach, the substantial risk of creating disaffected stakeholders, frustrating foreign operational partners, and not accessing the information needed to inform assessment activities was effectively managed.
On each occasion the objectives of the security task were achieved and relevant stakeholders felt ‘heard,’ and meaningfully engaged with. This was achieved by adopting a proactive approach to communication by consultants with high EQ and a respectful and engaging demeanor.
Providence was engaged by the Department of Home Affairs to develop an Agency Security Plan, a Security Risk Management Framework, and conduct multiple Site Security Risk Assessments. This initiative aimed to enhance the Department’s security posture and standardise risk management processes.
Drawing on extensive expertise, Providence designed, developed, and implemented cornerstone activities to address the Department’s security challenges. Key deliverables included the Agency Security Plan, comprehensive Site Security Risk Assessments and Management Plans, and the Security Risk Management Framework and Procedures.
The project standardised how security risks are identified, assessed, and managed across the Department, establishing clear roles and responsibilities for effective security management. It enhanced the knowledge and capabilities of the Security Branch, enabling them to engage confidently with security principles. Ultimately, the framework prioritised resource allocation for security infrastructure, ensuring that the Department met both current and emerging protective security requirements effectively.
Adash is Providence’s CEO and is responsible to the Providence Board and Providence’s clients for ensuring the timely delivery of outcomes through advice, guidance and mentoring to Providence’s staff.
