PM to introduce new air cargo screening technology at airports to reduce risk of terrorist attack
February 10, 2010
The Federal Government will provide $54.2 million to assist the air cargo industry install x-ray screening and explosive trace technology at selected locations as part of new measures to combat terrorism.
A regulated shipper scheme with the aim of identifying high risk cargo for technical examination will be established as part of a wider $200 million wider initiative to improve aviation security.
“Recent events have shown that terrorists and terrorist organisations are trying new techniques and strategies in their efforts to target innocent people,” the statement reads,” Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says.
“Although no single measure can prevent a terrorist attack, new technologies, better training and greater domestic and international cooperation can help us stay on step ahead of terrorist organisations.”
The introduction of full body scanners at passenger terminals and an increased number of Federal Police and bomb detector dogs at all airports are also major aspects of the new safety push.