Fed: Security changes will make airports stronger - govt

AAP General News (Australia)
12-29-2009
Fed: Security changes will make airports stronger - govt

MELBOURNE, Dec 28 AAP - Changes to Australia's airport security, announced before an
alleged attempt to blow up a US airliner, will strengthen responses to terror threats,
the federal government says.

Nigerian man Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, 23, has been charged with trying to blow up
the Airbus with an explosive device as the plane prepared to land in Detroit on Christmas
Day.

Speaking in Melbourne, Home Affairs Minister Brendan O'Connor said the government had
already announced changes to airport security before Christmas to deal with terror threats.

He said the changes included increasing the number of Australian Federal Police (AFP)
officers at Australia's major 11 airports instead of the current mix of commonwealth and
state police.

Mr O'Connor said the move would make security arrangements stronger.

"We believe having sworn federal police officers in the 11 airports will provide a
more co-ordinated approach, will ensure a more rapid response to emerging threats in our
airports," he said.

Mr O'Connor said the new model of airport security would be put in place over a five-year
period and phased in in co-operation with state and territory governments and their agencies.

He said the changes followed an audit by Roger Beale who considered the AFP's capacity
to meet future demands and government priorities.

"With these changes and the other measures in response to the Beale Audit, the government
will ensure the AFP, as the core commonwealth law enforcement agency, is well-equipped
to combat serious crime, terrorism and other security threats," Mr O'Connor said.

The changes to policing arrangements relate to the major airports in Adelaide, Alice
Springs, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Gold Coast, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and
Sydney.

AAP mi/gfr/dep/cdh

KEYWORD: US PLANE AIRPORTS

2009 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.