Multi-layered

Due to the nature of the Brussels attack, it has been suggested that Australia would benefit from moving screening points to terminal entrances so that both passengers and ‘meeters and greeters’ would be screened prior to entering the terminal for check-in and bag drop. However, this approach does not eliminate the threat. By moving the screening point, the point of mass gathering is shifted from inside the terminal to outside the terminal.

From a security perspective, the threat is not necessarily being reduced but just relocated. In fact, it is arguable that by doing this you are actually exposing passengers and non-passengers alike to even greater threats, such as vehicle-borne explosive devices. In addition to a less desirable security outcome, such a change would have significant infrastructure and resourcing impacts as well as reduced passenger facilitation rates.

It has been suggested by some commentators there is nothing preventing similar attacks being conducted at Australia’s major airports. This reveals a poor understanding of the multi-layered approach to security at our airports. There is an effective and multi-faceted array of safeguards in place that are designed specifically to defend and detect threats against aviation.

The Australian Government follows international best practice by having an intelligence-driven, risk-based and proportionate approach to aviation security. This means that every aviation security measure currently in place is there for a reason and is supported by a strong assessment process that makes it dynamic, agile and effective. Australia’s approach also recognises that no single layer of security is impenetrable. As a result, a system has been developed that operates with multiple security layers and built-in redundancy to ensure that if one layer fails, another takes its place. This places Australia’s airports and aviation sector among world’s best practice in terms of maintaining a safe and secure environment for the Australian travelling public.

The security screening point at an airport is not the only means of detection and defence for aviation. In fact there are several layers of security (both before and after the screening point) that have been integrated into the aviation security system. The layers of security applicable to an airport are closely aligned with the provision of security intelligence, as well as an airport operator’s own assessments of the security environment. Airport operators work closely with domestic security agencies and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to ensure accurate and timely intelligence is provided on any potential threats to aviation.

In addition to intelligence, Australia’s major international airports also have Australian Border Force (ABF) Counter Terrorism Units protecting our borders or what is referred to as the ‘airport primary line’. In addition to providing a strong visual deterrent, the ABF Counter Terrorism Units are designed to provide enhanced passenger assessment and response capacity, as well as conduct surveillance related to ‘persons of interest’ who may pose a threat to national security.

In addition to these measures, airports deploy substantial layers of physical security to support a first line of defence against acts of unlawful interference, or acts of terrorism, which are part of the ‘security by design’ approach used by airports. These measures may include perimeter fencing, closed circuit television (CCTV) monitoring, security patrols, lighting systems, access control and other barriers to name but a few.

Airports have also implemented measures to protect the publiclyaccessible parts of the terminal such as reinforced bollards at entry points to prevent unauthorised vehicle access, through to the design and layout of the access roads leading to the terminals, as well as explosive rated and reinforced facades at entries to terminals. All of these measures work together to provide a strong and resilient defence network against threats to aviation.

The primary goal of Australia’s aviation security regulations is to prevent an attack against an aircraft and its passengers. While every precaution is taken to ensure that the airport itself is as safe as possible, it is just one of many points of mass gatherings we travel through on a daily basis.

Our airports are arguably some of the safest public facilities compared to other locations. The security approach is informed by intelligence and risk assessments to ensure we get the balance right between security and the safe and efficient movement of hundreds of thousands of passengers and thousands of aircraft each day.

At the time of writing there has been no intelligence to suggest that a Brussels-style attack is likely to occur in Australia. Government agencies, airport operators and the aviation industry are working collaboratively and effectively to deliver a safe and secure environment for Australian aviation.

This is the sensible way to respond to new and emerging security challenges and concerns rather than sensationalist media stories which do nothing at all to make our airports or skies safer for air travellers.