Australia Minister for Infrastructure and Transport: Additional Aviation Security Measures

• Increased security measures put in place at Australia's major airports
• Passengers are advised not to be concerned, but to leave themselves plenty of time to get through airport security processes

Providing the Australian public with safe and secure air travel is an Australian Government priority.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said that overnight, based on advice from security and law enforcement agencies, additional security measures were put in place at Australia's major airports (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Darwin, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Cairns and the Gold Coast). The measures will also be applied at Hobart Airport.

"Some of these measures will be obvious to the travelling public, others will not. The increased measures will include additional checks of cabin and checked baggage," Mr Chester said.

"These additional measures complement the security arrangements already in place and are being applied as an extra precaution, in coordination with counter terrorism raids in Sydney last night."

Travellers should be prepared for intensified scrutiny at security screening points and make the following adjustments:

• Arrive at terminals at least two hours before flights to allow ample time for security screening, and
• Limit the amount of carry on and checked baggage to help to ensure security screening is efficient

"While it is important the public is aware of the increased threat, Australians should not be alarmed and those travelling should go about their business with confidence," Mr Chester said.

"Australia's law enforcement and security agencies are among the best in the world and doing everything within their powers to keep the community safe. All Australian airports have been asked to exercise increased vigilance in their security operations, including at security screening points and within the terminal area.

"The Government has a world class, comprehensive security system in place to keep travellers secure. As a matter of course, the Australian Government will continue to monitor security developments and adjust security settings as needed."

Anyone who sees or hears something suspicious should call the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.

The Government already requires a range of security measures to keep Australians safe while travelling, including:

• screening of passengers and luggage
• hardened cockpit doors to prevent unauthorised access to the cockpit
• ensuring cabin crew are trained for handling suspect passenger behaviour and responding to security threats, incidents and breaches
• plainclothes in-flight security officers, and
• passenger and baggage screening and reconciliation, to ensure unauthorised items are not placed on an aircraft

Mr Chester said the Government also worked closely with airport operators to ensure that physical security measures were in place to protect publicly accessible areas of airport terminals.

"This includes the design of airport infrastructure to reduce the impact of a terrorist attack. As the Prime Minister has said, the safety and security of the travelling public is the Government's number one priority."