Australian Airports Association: AAA supports strengthened airport security measures
23-Oct-2017 The Australian Airports Association (AAA) supports the Government's move to strengthen airport security measures at major airports across the country. The amendments to the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005, which recently came into effect, have been developed in close consultation with both the airport and airline industry.
'These changes will enhance an already strong and robust aviation security network by strengthening the airside security requirements for airport workers and vehicles accessing the restricted areas of an airport,' AAA CEO, Caroline Wilkie said.
The enhancements include stronger access control provisions, including some airports trialling stateof-the-art biometric access control equipment. There are also additional security awareness training enhancements that will ensure all airport and airline workers are able to continue to develop strong security cultures and adapt to the evolving threat environment.
However, the strengthened screening process for workers and vehicles is the most notable enhancement for the industry and will require significant investment in infrastructure and resources as airports develop tailored security solutions.
'Australia's major airports will subject workers, vehicles and belongings to a randomised and unpredictable security screening process, including explosive trace detection, when they need to access secure airside areas.
'With thousands of workers at airports across the country needing access to secure airside areas at major airports multiple times every day, it is essential that we have security measures that are both effective and efficient. The AAA believes the Government's regulatory changes meet this requirement,' said Ms Wilkie.
In addition to these airside security enhancements, airports across Australia already have strong security measures in place to prevent unlawful access or interference with aircraft, including airport workers being subjected to Government background checks prior to being issued with an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC).
'As an industry, airports invest hundreds of millions of dollars every year in maintaining the security of our aviation network. Providing a safe and secure environment for the travelling public is the number one priority for airports across Australia.
'The AAA supports an intelligence driven, proportionate and outcomes based approach to security regulation. The industry remains committed to working with the Government to continue to adapt and enhance security measures so they can remain effective in the face of a complex and evolving threat environment,' said Ms Wilkie.