Advertisement

How major security crackdown planned for airports will affect you


People acting suspiciously in Australian airports will have to show identification to police and may be banned from flying, under draft laws introduced to federal parliament.

The new ID checking powers for Australian Federal Police would give officers the ability to make people leave the airport or ban them from flying for 24 hours if they pose a criminal or security threat.

People who refuse to show ID could also be “moved on” from the airport, Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton said on Wednesday.

Airport security crackdown: Passengers to show ID, banned from flying if they are flagged as a security risk.
Passengers may soon be required to show identification to police under new ID checking powers for Australian Federal Police. Source: Getty, file

Mr Dutton says airports are one of the greatest targets for terrorism and crime groups for drug trafficking, and current police powers do not go far enough.

“Police at our airports are highly-trained in behavioural analysis and threat assessments,” he said.

Airport security crackdown: Passengers to show ID, banned from flying if they are flagged as a security risk.
Officers could have power to make people leave the airport or be banned from flying for 24 hours if they pose a criminal or security threat. Source: Getty, file

“However, they don’t currently have the power to check ID unless they can link behaviour to a specific offence.”

Suspicious activity could include taking photos or videos of security check areas, he added.

The minister said the increased powers would also give police the ability to remove bikie gang members from airports for two hours if it was known that an incoming flight had rival gang members.

Airport security crackdown: Passengers to show ID, banned from flying if they are flagged as a security risk.
Suspicious activity could include taking photos or videos of security check areas. Source: Getty, file

The legislation would ensure Australian aviation networks were some of the safest in the world, Mr Dutton said, adding that failing to comply with the checks could result in a fine of up to $4200.

Police will have to identify themselves to a person before conducting ID checks.

Officers could use the new powers at major airports including Sydney, Sydney West, Tullamarine in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Gold Coast, Hobart, Launceston, Alice Springs, Canberra, Darwin and Townsville.