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Huge hole in security at airport
A MAN was able to walk past customs and immigration counters to farewell a friend at the departure gate in a major security breach at Sydney International Airport.
It was was only when he realised his mistake and tried to go back that the security breach was discovered.
The Australian Customs Services has launched an investigation into the latest security embarrassment at the country ’s busiest airport and may lay criminal charges against the man.
Angry unions said they were not surprised at the gaping security flaw, which they said threatened the safety of all passengers and airline workers.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal that the man ’s friend had checked in for his flight and gone through customs and security to wait at the departure gate on Sunday May 18 at about lOam.
"Not long after, the friend decided he wanted to see the gentleman who was flying one last time," a source said.
"He strolled through the doors to customs, walked straight by the customs counters unchallenged by the agents manning the desks cleared security (who were not to know he wasn ’t flying), then proceeded to the gate lounge where his passenger friend was waiting." A Customs spokesman confirmed the breach but said the man had gone through full security screening.
"The circumstances under which he was not processed through the outward customs area are still being examined," the spokesman said.
"But he was subject to the full aviation screening processed." The man may be charged under section 234 of the Customs Act, which covers the unauthorised entry to a customs-controlled area.
Transport Workers Union national secretary Tony Sheldon said that someone so easily by-passing customs did not say a lot for airport security.
He said it was an example of a problem across the country.
"This incident is yet another in a long list of security breaches that threaten the safety of all passengers and airline workers," Mr Sheldon said.
"The list of horror security breaches occurring at Australian airports is terrifying. It shows that profits are being put before national security." Three years ago the nation ’s airports were shamed in a scathing report on aviation security by British expert Sir John Wheeler which revealed massive safety flaws and recommended widespread action.
His recommendations including more police, the upgrade of CCTV systems and better security checks and training for private security guards have not been met.
Mr Sheldon said a tripartite approach to fixing aviation security issues was needed, with unions, aviation industry stakeholders and the Federal Government involved.
Daily Telegraph
26 May 2008
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