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The Nuance Group welcomes first steps to harmonisation of airport security measures in Australia

Analysis

Zurich (THE NUANCE GROUP) -The Nuance Group welcomes today's announcement by Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services the Hon. Mark Vaile MP regarding enhanced aviation security measures at Australian airports for arriving and departing international flights.

The Nuance Group (which operates the Australian Downtown Duty Free chain of stores) will continue to work with the authorities to ensure that duty free and tax free shopping at airports in Australia is available in a relaxed and secure environment. Today it is business as usual in the Downtown Duty Free shops. After 31 March it will also be business as usual at Downtown Duty Free. Shopping at our airport shops will continue to be the convenient option:

  • Pre- order on the hotline or at (www.dutyfree.com.au) for collection at the airport before you depart;
  • Shop at the airport before you depart;
  • Pre-order for collection at the airport when you return to Australia;
  • Shop at Downtown Duty Free Arrivals shops when you return to Australia.

Christian Strang, CEO of The Nuance Group Australia and New Zealand comments: "The Nuance Group is pleased that the Government has allowed until 31 March 2007 for consultation and planning before implementing the new measures". Downtown Duty Free, which operates the duty free shops in the secure areas of Australia's major airports, will work closely with the authorities and each airport to ensure that passengers understand the new arrangements and continue to take advantage of the duty free shopping opportunities at airports.

A significant point to note is that shopping arrangements after security screening will be unaffected. Mr Strang emphasises: "Passengers will continue to be able to use our shops on the airside of the checkpoint in the same way they always have. Once passengers have passed through the security checkpoint they will be able to shop comfortably in the airside departure hall as usual. Arrivals shopping and pre-ordering duty free for collection when you land will also remain unaffected. These remain the ultimate hassle free alternatives to purchasing duty free overseas".

On the issue of harmonising our measures with those of other countries, Mr Strang said: "It is essential that countries work together and achieve harmonisation of security measures across borders. The Nuance Group welcomes the intention that these measures will be consistent with measures in the United States, Canada, and the EU. This will eliminate passenger confusion and mitigate adverse commercial consequences."

"Security at airports is important for us and for our customers. The Nuance Group remains committed to working with the government to ensure that security at airports is properly maintained," concluded Mr Strang.

The Federal Government is separately considering a range of possible initiatives in the context of tourism shopping reform, following an interdepartmental committee review process. Nuance looks forward to positive proposals to enhance other tourism shopping opportunities to be announced some time prior to 31 March next year.

The Nuance Group is a CAPA Member. For more information on the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation's membership service, please click the icon below. capagold.gif capaplatinum.gif

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