Securing Government Assets via Physical Security Internal Audit

How federal, state, and local government entities can safeguard critical infrastructure and build public trust.

By Penny Corkill

Partner Risk & Assurance

The convergence of digital and physical infrastructure means the security of our national assets is more than just a matter of protection—it's a foundation for community resilience, public trust, and uninterrupted government services. For Federal, State, and Local government entities, safeguarding critical infrastructure—including water supply, energy networks, transport systems, public facilities, and sensitive data—is essential. These assets underpin daily life, economic stability, and the well-being of every Australian.

Under the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 (SOCI Act), government bodies at all levels are expected to adopt Positive Security Obligations. This includes robust risk management, physical asset protection, and incident response planning. The Act recognises that threats—whether cyber, physical, or environmental—can trigger cascading effects across multiple sectors, from healthcare and communications to food supply and public safety.

WHY ALL GOVERNMENT ENTITIES MUST INVEST IN PHYSICAL SECURITY

Investing in strong physical security measures—like access controls, surveillance, asset monitoring, and comprehensive staff training—is vital not only to meet legislative requirements but also to:

• Protect public health, safety, and sensitive data
• Ensure continuity of essential services nationwide
• Build community confidence in government stewardship
• Strengthen resilience against natural disasters and malicious threats
• Support national security and economic stability

Security is much more than a compliance obligation—it's a strategic opportunity for Federal, State, and Local governments to lead with foresight and care. By prioritising infrastructure protection, government entities are better equipped to serve their communities, collaborate across jurisdictions, and maintain service excellence.

FROM VULNERABILITIES TO RESILIENCE: THE GOVERNMENT-WIDE APPROACH

Government offices and facilities are at the heart of community activity—whether it's a local council building, a State-run transport hub, or a Federal data centre. These spaces store valuable assets and sensitive information, making their security paramount. Yet, in the day-to-day operations of service provision, physical security can be overlooked.

Physical security should not be a tick-box exercise or relegated to facilities management. Today’s government entities face evolving threats, from perimeter vulnerabilities and uncontrolled access points to outdated surveillance systems and untrained staff. A proactive security posture is essential across all government levels.

COMMON VULNERABILITIES FACING GOVERNMENT ENTITIES

• A Patchwork of Systems: Security infrastructure can become fragmented over time, with different agencies or departments using varying technologies. This leads to gaps in monitoring and response, inconsistent standards, and unclear ownership of systems.
• The Human Element: Frontline staff—whether in local libraries, State health clinics, or Federal service centres—face increasing public interactions that can sometimes be volatile. Without proper training, de-escalation techniques, and physical protections, staff are at risk.
• Siloed Management: Physical security is often managed by separate departments, hindering cooperation on access controls and security protocols. Cross-agency collaboration is critical for effective protection.
• Security as an Afterthought: Designing welcoming civic spaces often overlooks the need for clear sight lines, access controls, and safe zones for staff until after an incident occurs.

These gaps present operational and reputational risks for all tiers of government. A reactive approach may not only fail to prevent incidents, but could erode trust in public institutions, services and spaces.

INTRODUCING PHYSICAL SECURITY INTERNAL AUDITS FOR GOVERNMENT ENTITIES

To address these challenges, Centium has developed comprehensive internal audit services that are customised for Federal, State, and Local government premises. Our specialist audit team offers independent assessments of your entity’s physical security posture, providing reasonable assurance that risks are minimised.

Our expert, PSPF accredited team will work with you to:

• Conduct thorough physical security walkthroughs of your facilities, identifying vulnerabilities in your controls
• Assess your current security framework, including policies, procedures, and systems, to ensure alignment with best practice
• Evaluate management of access controls, including card systems and business rules, for consistency with industry standards
• Identify and prioritise key security risks, with practical, cost-effective recommendations for mitigation.

YOUR ROADMAP TO A SECURE AND RESILIENT GOVERNMENT

Don't wait for an incident to reactively make physical security a priority. A proactive internal audit provides a clear pathway to enhancing your entity’s security and resilience. By taking early action, you can safeguard assets, protect staff and data, and build a more secure and trusted government presence at every level.

WHY THIS MATTERS NOW:

DUTY OF CARE	CYBER RESILIENCE	FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP
Government entities hold a non-negotiable duty of care under WHS legislation, with binding legal and moral obligations to provide a safe working environment.   Rising levels of public aggression and pressure on frontline staff mean that proactive protection measures are essential to foster a culture of safety and staff retention.	Physical and cyber resilience are inseparable. Even the most advanced cybersecurity framework is undermined if physical access to sensitive hardware or unattended workstations is not controlled.   Physical security audits are a critical pillar of any government’s business continuity and cybersecurity strategy.	Safeguarding public trust and financial stewardship means every dollar spent reacting to security incidents is a dollar diverted from community services.   A proactive approach demonstrates responsible guardianship of public assets, ensuring that government spaces remain safe, welcoming, and available for all Australians.

CONCLUSION: BUILDING RESILIENCE ACROSS GOVERNMENT

Federal, State, and Local government entities operate in complex environments, balancing the need for open access with the duty of care for staff and communities. Yesterday’s solutions are no longer enough for today’s realities and challenges.

By investing in comprehensive physical security strategies and internal audits, government entities can future-proof their infrastructure, protect their people, and inspire public confidence in their stewardship. Take the next step toward stronger security and greater peace of mind. Reach out to our team today to discuss your unique challenges and discover how a tailored internal audit can help your organisation build resilience, protect assets, and foster public trust. Your proactive action now will make a lasting difference.