Fake guns and up-to-date security equipment are key to making the country’s airports a little safer, according to a new report.
The recommendation from the Australian National Audit Office came after a review into passenger security screenings at domestic gateways.
The group’s research found that although minimum standards are in place for Australia’s domestic airports, the government is unable to confirm whether or not security screenings are effective or even enforced, News.com.au reported.
In other words, whilst the government has security standards in place to keep travellers protected, it has no way of ensuring if the people tasked with keeping Australian airports safe are actually doing their jobs.
A solution suggested by the Australian National Audit Office was to re-introduce replica gun tests on security systems, which requires the government appointing an undercover agent to pass through airport security with a weapon inside his/her carry-on.
This process was in place at domestic airports up until March 2014 when firearm licensing issues and work health and safety concerns forced the government to cease the practise.
The auditing group also found that the country doesn’t have enforcement strategies in place for passenger screenings, available resources aren’t being directed to higher risk areas and some security equipment is outdated.
According to the report, domestic airports were scheduled to receive new metal detectors and explosive trace detectors in 2015, but the government scrapped its plans.
Following the completion of the report, Australia’s leaders announced they would replace metal and explosive detectors in domestic airports from July next year followed by the introduction of new X-ray machines in July 2018.
