Exemption from Displaying an Aviation Security Identification Card in an Airside Area

Overview

The Aviation Transport Security (Aviation Security Identification Card) Notice 2017, published in the Gazette as C2017G00218, provides a specific exemption for Aerodrome Reporting Officers at Essendon Airport from displaying their Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) within the airside area during a specified period. This notice was enacted under the authority of the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005, which were themselves established to ensure stringent security measures in the aviation sector. The problem addressed by this regulation is the need for flexibility in security protocols to accommodate operational requirements without compromising safety. The exemption was granted by Gregory Cox, the General Manager of Transport Security Operations Reform, on behalf of the Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development. The policy objective is to maintain a secure aviation environment while allowing necessary operational adjustments to be made in a controlled manner.

Scope and Application

The Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005, specifically as applied through the exemption granted by Greg Cox, General Manager of Transport Security Operations Reform, exempts certain Aerodrome Reporting Officers from displaying an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) within the airside area of Essendon Airport. This exemption is limited to those Aerodrome Reporting Officers who are employed by Australia Pacific Airports (Melbourne) Pty Limited and are seconded to perform their duties at the airport during the specified time period from 1500 hours on 23 February 2017 to 2200 hours on 24 February 2017. The exemption is granted under regulation 3.08 of the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005, and is applicable solely within the jurisdictional and operational scope of Essendon Airport. This regulatory measure aims to maintain security standards while accommodating specific operational needs during the designated timeframe.

Key Provisions

The Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005, specifically under regulation 3.08, contain provisions that require the display of an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) by certain personnel in the airside area of airports. However, this particular exemption notice, issued by Gregory Cox, the General Manager of Transport Security Operations Reform, allows Aerodrome Reporting Officers employed by Australia Pacific Airports (Melbourne) Pty Limited and seconded to perform their duties in the secure area of Essendon Airport to be exempt from this requirement. This exemption is in effect from 1500 hours on 23 February 2017 to 2200 hours on 24 February 2017. Under the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005, parties and entities governed by the Act must comply with the requirement of displaying an ASIC unless an exemption is granted. This requirement ensures that authorised personnel can be readily identified within the airside area, thereby enhancing security measures and maintaining operational standards. The exemption provided by this notice allows specific Aerodrome Reporting Officers to carry out their duties without the need to display an ASIC during the specified time frame, while still adhering to the overarching objectives of the Regulations. The Act imposes obligations on the entities and personnel involved to ensure that security protocols are not compromised. While the exemption is in place, it is essential that the Aerodrome Reporting Officers maintain a high level of vigilance and adhere to all other security requirements set out in the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005. The exemption does not relieve them from their responsibilities regarding the overall security of the airside area. In terms of breaches, failure to comply with the provisions of the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005, or any exemptions granted under these provisions, could result in both civil and criminal consequences. The Act does not specify maximum penalties in this particular notice, but generally, breaches of aviation security regulations can lead to fines and imprisonment. The severity of the penalties depends on the nature and extent of the breach, with more serious violations potentially resulting in significant fines and lengthy prison sentences. It is therefore crucial for all parties involved to strictly adhere to the conditions set out in the Regulations and any exemptions granted.