Aviation Transport Security Act 2004
NOTICE OF DECLARATION OF SECURITY CONTROLLED AIRPORT AND AIRSIDE AREA – CITY OF GREATER GERALDTON - GERALDTON AIRPORT
_____________________________________________________
I, TERASA JANE CREMER Director, Transport Security Operations, Office of Transport Security:
REVOKE, under subsection 28(2) of the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 (the
Act), Notice A05791 which declared Geraldton Airport as a security controlled airport
as published in the Gazette (C2014G00512, 27 March 2014);
DECLARE, under subsection 28(2) of the Act, that Geraldton Airport is a security controlled
airport, the boundaries of Geraldton Airport are shown on the attached map which forms part
of this notice; and
ESTABLISH, in accordance with section 29 of the Act, an airside area for Geraldton Airport
being that area indicated as the airside area on the attached map.
This Notice commences upon publication in the Gazette.
Date: 12 May 2015
Terasa Cremer
Delegate of the Secretary of the
Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development
Note:
1) Gazette means the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette
2) This Notice remains in force until otherwise revoked in writing and upon subsequent publication in the Gazette.
Overview
The Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 was enacted to establish a framework for securing Australia's aviation transport infrastructure and ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. This Act was introduced to address the need for stringent security measures at airports and onboard aircraft, aiming to prevent acts of unlawful interference and terrorism within the aviation sector. The legislation was enacted by the Parliament of Australia, reflecting a national policy objective to enhance the security of the aviation transport system to protect public safety and national security interests.
This particular legislative action, Notice A05791, issued by Terasa Cremer, the Director of Transport Security Operations within the Office of Transport Security, revokes a previous declaration that established Geraldton Airport as a security controlled airport and redefines its boundaries and airside area. This notice is intended to provide clarity and update the security perimeters at Geraldton Airport, ensuring that the airport continues to meet the necessary security standards under the Act. The notice also outlines that it will remain in effect until formally revoked and published in the Gazette, maintaining the airport's status and security protocols as per the requirements of the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004.
Scope and Application
The Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 applies to a range of persons, entities, and areas within the Commonwealth of Australia. This includes airports that are designated as security controlled airports, which are subject to stringent security regulations to protect against potential threats to aviation safety. The Act applies to any person or entity operating at or accessing these airports, including airlines, passengers, and airport staff, as well as the infrastructure and airside areas of the airports themselves. The Act also extends its reach to transactions and conduct that occur within the boundaries of a security controlled airport. The geographic scope of the Act is national, as it applies to all airports within Australia that are classified as security controlled airports. The revocation and declaration of specific airports as security controlled are managed through subordinate instruments, such as notices published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette. Any exclusions, exemptions, or specific thresholds for designation as a security controlled airport are detailed in the Act and related regulations.
Key Provisions
The Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 (the Act) has various operative sections that are crucial in regulating the security of airports and airside areas. In particular, subsection 28(2) of the Act allows for the declaration and revocation of notices regarding security-controlled airports and airside areas. For instance, Notice A05791, which previously declared Geraldton Airport as a security-controlled airport, has been revoked under this subsection. A new declaration under the same subsection now designates Geraldton Airport as a security-controlled airport with specific boundaries detailed in the accompanying map.
The Act imposes specific obligations and requirements on the parties and entities it governs. Section 28(2) requires the Director, Transport Security Operations, to declare an airport as security-controlled if certain criteria are met, ensuring that appropriate security measures are implemented. Additionally, section 29 mandates the establishment of an airside area, which is a designated area around the airport that requires heightened security controls. These obligations ensure that the airport and its surrounding areas are adequately protected against potential security threats.
Breaching the provisions of the Act can lead to various offences and penalties. While the specific offences and penalties are not detailed in this notice, the Act generally provides for both civil and criminal consequences for non-compliance. Civil penalties can include fines, while criminal penalties might involve imprisonment, depending on the severity and nature of the breach. The maximum penalties are determined by the specific provisions of the Act that are contravened and may vary widely based on the circumstances of the offence.
The notice also specifies that it remains in force until it is revoked in writing and published in the Gazette. This ensures that any changes to the status of the airport or its security measures are officially documented and communicated. The clear and formal process outlined in the notice helps maintain transparency and accountability in the administration of aviation security measures.