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East Kimberley airports may need to upgrade their security. WA Liberal Senator Alan Eggleston said all airports receiving regular passenger transport and airfreight traffic in the East Kimberley region would be brought under the Australian Government's aviation security regulatory regime. Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services John Anderson announced a $93 million major expansion of the aviation security regulatory regime. Senator Eggleston said: "The aviation security regulatory regime will be expanded to cover all airports handling passengers and air freight. "Some 180 airports across Australia will now be regulated. "The expanded regime will also cover operators of freight aircraft, charter flights, and private and corporate jets," Senator Eggleston said. |
"The Government will require appropriate security measures based on individual risk assessments and comprehensive security programs to be implemented at Halls Creek and Argyle airports. "A $14 million government grant program, matching contributions dollar for dollar, will be available to assist eligible smaller airports implement appropriate security measures. "Hardened cockpit doors will also be required for all regular passenger and charter aircraft with more than 30 seats. "The Government will fully fund the implementation of this measure on non-jet regional aircraft," he said. The enhanced aviation security package also includes: * Extending the regulatory regime for international airfreight to cover domestic services; |
* Conducting background checks on all pilots and trainee pilots prior to the issuing of new photographic licences by July 1, 2004; and * Requiring anti-theft measures for general aviation aircraft. The enhanced aviation security package will be progressively implemented during the first half of 2004. For further information about the enhanced aviation security package visit www.dotars.gov.au/transsec/index.aspx Pilots needing further information about the new requirements can call 1300 734 950. |