Australian airport workers also terror suspects

Australian airport workers, including baggage handlers, caterers, engineers and maintenance staff, are to be subjected to explosives tests and other checks under strict new security measures.

The crackdown comes after an alleged terrorist plot in July to smuggle a bomb onto a passenger plane at Sydney airport.

The government said Sunday that under the new measures, airport workers and their belongings and vehicles will be randomly selected for security tests. Equipment and vehicles in restricted areas will be randomly tested for traces of explosives.

Pilots, terrorism experts and the airport workers’ union have lobbied for tighter groundstaff security, particularly for casual workers and sub-contractors who have been able to access restricted areas without scanning.

“These measure strengthen existing controls to ensure airport workers are authorized, properly identified and appropriately trained before entering secure airside areas,” Transport Minister Darren Chester said.

“They may also be subject to security screening in the course of their duties.”

Independent Senator Nick Xenophon, who has in the past called for tighter security for airport workers, told ABC Radio the new measures were not strict enough.

Most Australians would be horrified to learn that “those who have access to aircraft – the baggage handlers, caterers and everyone else who can have access to an aircraft – aren’t screened or are only screened on a random basis,” Xenophon said.(dpa/NAN)