Embattled security giant MA Services has collapsed into voluntary administration, leaving thousands of security guards across Australia abruptly sacked and owed entitlements on the eve of Christmas and sparking an unprecedented crisis in the nation’s private security industry.
Major retailers such as Coles, Kmart, Bunnings, Dan Murphy’s and Amazon have been rocked by the abrupt closure during their busiest shopping periods as they rely on MA Services’ security guards to secure their stores and warehouses.
More than 1000 guards across Australia were contacted on Tuesday by administrators and told to “cease work immediately” because they had been terminated.
“The appointment of administrators has triggered breaches of key licensing conditions, meaning the company is unable to lawfully continue certain core functions. Given this, and the liquidity position of the company, we have no alternative but to cease trading the business effective…