Security overhaul extends checks to anyone at a major domestic airport
THE biggest overhaul to security in decades will give police powers to demand identification from anyone at a major domestic airport, even those not flying.
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THE biggest overhaul to airline security in decades will give police powers to demand identification from anyone at a major domestic airport, even those not boarding a plane.
Law enforcement agencies are actively working on the plan which could prevent suspect passengers from flying and see members of the public ordered to leave.
For the first time, anyone at a major airport would have to carry identification. Passengers will not be asked to show ID before they board.
A massive advertising campaign, including airlines sending information to passengers, is being considered, with the new measures mooted to be rolled out before Christmas.
A spokeswoman for Justice Minister Michael Keenan would not confirm or deny the advanced plan but said the Government’s No. 1 priority was to keep Australians safe.
“Our law enforcement and security agencies are the finest in the world and the safety of Australians will remain the Government’s No. 1 priority,” she said.
“The Coalition Government has initiated an independent review of security at airports across Australia. If we can do more to ensure the safety of Australians, then of course we will take all necessary action.”
The overhaul will be bolstered by more bomb-sniffing dogs and Australian Federal Police officers trained in behavioural change.
Highly-placed Government sources said under the blueprint, a person who steps from a taxi but fails to check-in baggage could face questioning and be detained if there is a view they are acting suspiciously.
Anyone who attracts the interest of law enforcement officials, will be questioned by police about their purpose for being at the airport, where they are travelling and, possibly, to show their ID.
Those who cannot show ID, have no reason for being at the airport, or who are acting suspiciously, face being detained or ejected, whether or not they are travelling.
Police will be able to exercise discretion for adults who are not travelling but have identification, such as an elderly person who is not acting suspiciously.
The forms of ID have yet to be defined, but are likely to include driver’s licence, passport or another government-issued credential.
The plan is yet to go to Cabinet but despite its controversial nature, is likely to be viewed as necessary.
The Government has accepted that check-in areas and other sections of the terminal before security screening, are blind spots.
Fears were heightened when alleged NSW bomb makers Khaled Khayat and Mahmoud Khayat, were accused of trying to check-in an improvised explosive device on a long-haul flight at Sydney Airport.
The Turnbull Government yesterday released a new guide for states and operators of crowded places.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said terrorists continued to target crowded places.
“This how-to-guide will strengthen the existing co-operation between government and industry, providing clear guidance on where owners and operators can go for threat information and protective security guidance,” he said.
The Federal Government has also developed a security awareness guide for truck operators and drivers.
The guide provides information on security measures, indicators and warnings for drivers and operators, to help prevent a terrorist attack.
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