Notice of Declaration of a Security Controlled Airport and Airside Area - Rockhampton Airport

Overview

The Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 was enacted to address the need for stringent security measures within the aviation industry to safeguard against potential terrorist activities and other threats to aviation security. This legislation was introduced by the Australian Parliament to ensure the security of aircraft and airports, and to protect people, property, and the environment. The Act established a comprehensive framework for aviation security by mandating the declaration and control of security at designated airports, including the establishment of security-controlled airports and airside areas. This legislative measure was pivotal in aligning Australia's aviation security protocols with international standards, thereby enhancing the overall safety and security of the nation's airspace. The policy objective of the Act is to provide for the security of aircraft, passengers, and property at designated airports, and to facilitate the effective management of aviation security risks. By declaring specific airports as security-controlled and establishing designated airside areas, the Act ensures that stringent security measures are implemented and enforced, thereby mitigating potential threats to the aviation sector. The enactment of this legislation underscores the commitment of the Australian government to protect its citizens and maintain the integrity of its air transport system.

Scope and Application

The Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 applies to the security control of airports and airside areas within Australia. Under this Act, specific airports can be declared as security controlled airports, subject to the regulations outlined within the Act. The Act applies to all persons, entities, and industries operating within the designated security controlled airports and their airside areas, ensuring that they adhere to stringent security measures. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of the Act is national, applying uniformly across the Commonwealth of Australia. This notice specifically addresses the revocation of a previous declaration concerning Rockhampton Airport and the re-establishment of its status as a security controlled airport. The notice is applicable from the date of its publication in the Gazette and can be altered or revoked through subsequent Gazette notices. Exclusions or exemptions from the application of this Act are not detailed in the notice itself but may be defined in subordinate instruments or related legislation. This Notice is effective immediately upon publication in the Gazette and will remain in force until formally revoked and re-published in the Gazette.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of the notice under the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 (the Act) primarily involve the revocation and re-declaration of Rockhampton Airport as a security controlled airport and the establishment of an airside area for the airport. According to subsection 28(2) of the Act, the Acting Director of Queensland, Transport Security Operations, Roger Lonie, revoked Notice A05744, which previously declared Rockhampton Airport as a security controlled airport (subsection 28(2)). This revocation took effect upon the publication of the notice in the Gazette (No. C2014G00507, 26 March 2014). The notice then declares, again under subsection 28(2) of the Act, that Rockhampton Airport is a security controlled airport, with the boundaries of the airport as shown on the attached map, which is an integral part of this notice. Additionally, section 29 of the Act is invoked to establish an airside area for Rockhampton Airport, with the specific area indicated on the attached map. This notice becomes effective upon its publication in the Gazette. Under the Act, the obligations imposed on parties and entities governed by this notice are primarily related to adhering to the declared security status of Rockhampton Airport as a security controlled airport. This designation means that the airport must comply with all security measures and protocols stipulated under the Act. The airside area, as established by the notice, also comes under strict security regulations to ensure the safety and security of aviation activities. The declaration and the establishment of the airside area mean that any person or entity operating within these defined boundaries must comply with the security requirements set out by the Act. The Act includes provisions for offences, penalties, and consequences for breaches of its provisions. While the notice itself does not specify the exact penalties, the Act generally provides for both civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance with security requirements. Civil penalties can include fines, while criminal penalties can include imprisonment, reflecting the serious nature of security breaches in aviation. The specific maximum penalties are detailed in other sections of the Act but are not provided in this notice. The notice does, however, stipulate that it remains in force until revoked in writing and upon subsequent publication in the Gazette, indicating that continued compliance is necessary until further notice.