27-29 Aug 2025
ICC, Sydney

From Bank Teller to National Security Manager at ABC: An Unexpected Journey

Jan 30, 2025

Learn about Scott O'Driscoll's - current National Security Manager at ABC, career in the security industry

Scott O’Driscoll’s career journey is anything but conventional. Starting as a Commonwealth Bank of Australia teller, he transitioned through various roles before becoming the National Security Manager for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). With a background spanning physical security, consulting, and corporate risk management, Scott O’Driscoll exemplifies the evolving nature of security in a complex, technology-driven world.

 

After a brief stint in banking, O’Driscoll became a locksmith, which sparked his interest in security. He pursued further education at the University of Western Sydney, studying part-time while working full-time. His career progressed through consulting roles at Business Risks International and IPT Consulting, where he designed security systems for high-profile clients including government departments, military bases, and hospitals.

 

At the ABC, O’Driscoll manages a lean security team responsible for protecting the organisation’s physical and digital assets. His role involves managing contract guards, handling incidents with “fixated persons” who may target journalists or the organisation, and overseeing security design for new and renovated studios.

 

A significant recent achievement was upgrading the ABC’s security infrastructure, creating a unified security platform with integrated access control, intrusion detection, and CCTV systems across all national sites. This “single pane of glass” solution provides comprehensive monitoring and control.

 

O’Driscoll is particularly interested in emerging security challenges, especially around artificial intelligence. He’s concerned about deep fakes and voice recognition technologies, recognising both their potential risks and benefits. While not directly managing digital misinformation, he collaborates closely with cyber and social media teams to mitigate potential threats. For high-risk reporting environments like war zones, O’Driscoll’s team reviews risk assessments prepared by news crews, ensuring comprehensive safety planning.

 

His advice for aspiring security professionals is straightforward: network extensively, never stop learning, and understand that career progression takes time.

 

Want to hear the full story of how a locksmith became a national security expert? Listen to the complete Security Focus podcast interview for Scott O’Driscoll’s fascinating insights – coming soon.

 

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