Notice of Declaration of Security Controlled Airport and Airside Area - Griffith Aerodrome

Overview

The Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 was enacted to ensure the security of the aviation transport system in Australia. The Act provides a legislative framework for the protection of civil aviation and aircraft from acts of unlawful interference, thereby safeguarding the safety and security of passengers, crew, and the general public. The Australian Parliament introduced this legislation to address the need for comprehensive security measures in response to the evolving threats to civil aviation. The policy objective of the Act is to establish stringent security protocols and controls at airports and on aircraft to prevent terrorism and other criminal activities that could compromise aviation security. This Act empowers the appropriate authorities to enforce these security measures and to take necessary actions to ensure compliance. The notice of declaration of a security controlled airport and airside area, as demonstrated by the revocation and re-establishment of Griffith Aerodrome's status, highlights the dynamic nature of security measures in response to changing circumstances and threats. This particular notice, issued by Doug Henshaw, Acting Regional Director, Transport Security Operations, under the authority delegated by the Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development, confirms the boundaries and specific airside areas for Griffith Aerodrome, reflecting the ongoing commitment to maintaining high security standards at Australian airports. The revocation and re-establishment of these areas are critical to ensuring that security measures are tailored to the specific needs and risks associated with each airport, thereby enhancing the overall security posture of the nation's aviation system.

Scope and Application

The Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 applies to designated airports and airside areas in Australia, aiming to secure air transport against acts of unlawful interference. Specifically, the Act applies to persons, entities, and their conduct within the scope of designated security-controlled airports and airside areas. Griffith Aerodrome is specified as a security-controlled airport under this Act, with its boundaries and airside area defined by the attached map in the Notice. The Act’s application extends to the Commonwealth and any territories or states that fall within the defined geographic reach of the legislation. While the Act does not explicitly state exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, its application can be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments such as regulations or ministerial directions, which are often used to detail specific operational standards and procedural requirements for compliance. This Notice revokes the previous declaration of Griffith Airport as a security-controlled airport and re-establishes it with updated boundaries and designated areas, effective upon publication in the Gazette.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 (the Act) relevant to this Notice of Declaration are sections 28 and 29. Section 28(2) empowers the Acting Regional Director, Transport Security Operations, to revoke or declare an airport as a security controlled airport. Section 29 provides for the establishment of an airside area within a security controlled airport. In this case, Griffith Airport has been revoked as a security controlled airport, and Griffith Aerodrome has been newly declared as a security controlled airport, with the specific boundaries of the aerodrome and its airside area detailed in the attached map, which is integral to the notice. The Act imposes several obligations and requirements on parties and entities governed by it. Firstly, it mandates the Acting Regional Director to ensure that the security measures at Griffith Aerodrome comply with the standards set out in the Act. This includes maintaining the integrity of the aerodrome and its airside area, ensuring that only authorised personnel and aircraft have access, and implementing measures to prevent security incidents. The declaration of the aerodrome and the establishment of the airside area under sections 28 and 29 respectively outline the specific boundaries and scope of these obligations. Failure to comply with the provisions of the Act can lead to significant legal consequences. Under the Act, breaches of security requirements can result in both civil and criminal penalties. For instance, if any individual or entity fails to adhere to the security protocols established for the aerodrome or its airside area, they may face civil penalties. These penalties can include fines up to a specified maximum amount as outlined in the Act. Additionally, criminal offences may be incurred for more severe breaches, leading to prosecution and potential imprisonment. The exact penalties are detailed within the Act, and enforcement is carried out by relevant authorities to ensure compliance with the security measures. In summary, the Notice of Declaration of Security Controlled Airport and Airside Area – Griffith Aerodrome revokes the previous declaration of Griffith Airport and establishes Griffith Aerodrome as a security controlled airport. It specifies the boundaries of the aerodrome and its airside area, as depicted in the attached map. Compliance with the security measures and obligations under the Act is mandatory for all relevant parties, with significant civil and criminal penalties for any breaches. The notice remains in effect until it is revoked and published in the Gazette.