Exemption from Displaying an Aviation Security Identification Card in a Secure Area - Adelaide Airport

Overview

The Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005, as amended by the notice NTC-15088, address the specific issue of exempting employees and contractors of Watpac Limited from the requirement to display an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) in the secure area of Adelaide Airport. This exemption was introduced to facilitate the terminal expansion construction activities undertaken by Watpac Limited, ensuring that these personnel can move between Gate N and the special event zone under specific conditions. The notice, issued by Michael Gray, Acting Director, Transport Security Operations, on behalf of the Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs, specifies that the exemption is effective from 29 August 2018 to 30 August 2019. The key condition of this exemption is that Watpac Limited personnel must produce photographic identification to Adelaide Airport Limited (AAL) contracted security staff at Gate N, and this identification must be verified against a daily contractor list before they are granted access to the secure area. Furthermore, the movement of these personnel between Gate N and the special event zone must be under the escort of either an AAL staff member or a Watpac Limited employee/contractor who validly displays an ASIC.

Scope and Application

The Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005, as modified by this notice, apply to employees and contractors of Watpac Limited who are involved in the terminal expansion construction activities at Adelaide Airport. This exemption pertains specifically to the requirement for these personnel to display an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) within the secure area of the airport when they are under escort and moving between Gate N and the special event zone, as established in Notice NTC-15040. The exemption is issued under the authority of the Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs and is effective from 29 August 2018 to 30 August 2019. Personnel from Watpac Limited must present photographic identification to Adelaide Airport Limited (AAL) contracted security staff at Gate N, which must be verified against a daily contractor list before being granted entry into the secure area. Furthermore, the movement of these personnel between Gate N and the special event zone must be under the escort of either an AAL staff member or a Watpac Limited employee/contractor who holds a valid ASIC.

Key Provisions

The Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005, as referenced in section 127 of the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004, provide for a specific exemption concerning the display of Aviation Security Identification Cards (ASIC) in secure areas of airports. Section 3.08(3) of the Regulations allows for this exemption to be granted under certain conditions. Specifically, the notice issued by Michael Gray, an authorised delegate of the Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs, grants Watpac Limited employees and contractors an exemption from displaying an ASIC in the secure area of Adelaide Airport when they are under escort moving between Gate N and a special event zone established in notice NTC-15040. This exemption is tied to the construction activities related to terminal expansion at the airport. The notice stipulates several obligations and requirements for the personnel and contractors of Watpac Limited. Firstly, they must present photographic identification to Adelaide Airport Limited (AAL) contracted security staff at Gate N, which will then be checked against a daily contractor list to ensure that their entry into the secure area is permitted. Secondly, all movements between Gate N and the special event zone must be under the escort of either an AAL staff member or a Watpac Limited employee/contractor who is validly displaying an ASIC. This ensures that while Watpac Limited employees and contractors are exempt from carrying their own ASICs, they are still adequately supervised and controlled within the secure area. Failure to adhere to the conditions of this exemption could result in various consequences, both civil and criminal. While the specific penalties are not detailed within the notice itself, breaches of aviation security regulations generally carry significant penalties under the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004. For instance, unauthorised access to a secure area of an airport can result in substantial fines and potential imprisonment. Therefore, it is crucial that Watpac Limited and its employees and contractors comply strictly with the conditions set out in the notice to avoid any legal repercussions.