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- 18 June 2002
Airport Security
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Page: 3217
The Hon. IAN WEST [9.14 p.m.]: I wish to speak about airport security. Following the events of September 11 last year, much of the world has been in a state of panic, with international and domestic security issues at the forefront of political and economic decision making. Billions of dollars have been spent on a chase around the world for a few individuals who, it is said, are responsible for terrorism per se and only without them will the threat of terrorism abate. It seems no expense is too big in this particular hunt. Yet, those responsible for maintaining security at our airports—airport screeners and security workers who are covered by, and members of, the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union [LHMU]—have taken on massive new responsibilities without attendant recognition from their employers, backup from airports, the Federal Government or airlines.
Furthermore, in the approximately nine months since September 11 the Federal Government and others have failed to enforce uniform security standards at all airports; install new screening equipment; act on "airport rage" directed towards security guards; decrease casualisation of the workforce; apply new standards in relation to security workloads; improve workers' morale; treat workers with the appropriate respect; improve wages and conditions; or improve security standards nationally.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Minister for Transport has been informed of these issues and his response has been less than satisfactory—quite the opposite. An internal report prepared by the Federal Department of Transport on the failure of screening equipment and processes has been kept from the public, with the media prevented from gaining access under freedom of information laws. Additionally, screeners have been employed by security companies who regularly allow untrained and unlicensed screeners to work at checkpoints. Furthermore, security tests at major airports since September 11 have shown that prohibited items are still slipping through undetected because of failures of equipment.
Airport security screeners are among the lowest paid workers at airports nationwide. On 11 June this year airport security workers were given a decision by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission, which improved the pay of Melbourne airport security workers. The pay increase of 97 cents an hour, which includes an earlier interim 50 cents, was much needed. Those LHMU members at Melbourne airport have been campaigning for an increase for over two years—well before the attacks of September 11. They were forced to take strike action last year due to the belligerent approach of their employer. The LHMU continues to campaign for an upgrade of its security standards, including screening, improved training, equipment and pay. More than 100 airport screeners and security workers at Brisbane airport have successfully negotiated their way to a 29 per cent pay increase over three years. That might sound like a lot but they were on a mere $11.75 an hour up until that point, with a nett take-home pay of approximately $300.00 per week.
Airport security standards are being tightened with the help of the union. But there are repercussions. Just today a Darwin airport screener was punched and assaulted in the latest example of airport rage that has spread across the country as airport security standards are tightened. Security workers are attempting to cope with abuse because governments, airports, airlines and security companies are not taking responsibility to educate the travelling public about the need for higher security standards. It is clearly not good enough.
Last week a female airport screener at Darwin was punched and assaulted by a member of the public who did not understand the new rules. Security workers should have the right to perform their tasks with an appropriate level of support, including counselling in the event of an assault. The union has been campaigning for better signage for many months now, informing the travelling public of the need to co-operate with the new systems. Current signage is poor and is well below the standards now expected overseas at domestic and international airports. I am a proud life member of the LHMU, which represents more than 150,000 workers across Australia. Their work in raising these issues of local and national importance and in improving the conditions and pay of the formerly under-recognised section of the workforce deserves the support of this House. I congratulate the LHMU for its campaign to date and look forward to further improvements for these workers and the safety of the general public.
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