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The alleged hijack attempt at Avalon Airport in March was the most serious aviation threat in Australia in eight years, according to recently released government documents.
In the June meeting minutes, obtained by The Australian under freedom of information laws, Department of Home Affairs assistant secretary (aviation security) Matthew Pedler told airport operators that the alleged incident was the worst since a disrupted Sydney bomb threat in July 2017.
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A 17-year-old is accused of breaching the security fence at Avalon on 6 March armed with a shotgun and attempting to board a Jetstar flight to Sydney.
“There is an expectation from government and the public that action be taken, and taken quickly, to ensure incidents like Avalon are not able to occur again,” the notes read.
Pedler, however, reportedly said no government assistance would be offered for airports to strengthen their security, though Home Affairs could arrange for options to be presented from private firms for perimeter security.
A Home Affairs spokesperson told The Australian that the department’s top priority is to “keep Australians safe and secure”, and that the government establishes aviation security outcomes and requirements for airports and airlines to follow.
“Within this framework, airports and airlines are responsible for delivering aviation security requirements and managing day-to-day security operations, including the associated costs,” the spokesperson said.
“This is a longstanding policy of successive governments and is a key pillar of Australia’s aviation security framework.
“The department is continually engaged with all airport operators to ensure that appropriate security measures are in place that are suited to each airport’s threat environment, and there are measures at all security-regulated airports to ensure the safety and security of travellers. Some of these measures are visible to travellers while others are not.”
Avalon Airport chief executive Ari Suss told the newspaper that the airport took the alleged incident “extremely seriously” and has footed the bill for its own security upgrade.
“Since then, Avalon has undertaken an independent review of procedures and operations and is implementing a series of permanent security enhancements.”
“We have committed our own resources to ensure these enhancements are delivered and continue to work closely with law enforcement and regulators to maintain the highest security standards.
“Avalon supports the millions of passengers who travel through the airport, with their safety and security as our highest priority.”
The alleged attacker has been charged with a range of offences, which include possession of a firearm, carrying out a bomb hoax, endangering the safety of an aircraft, and unlawfully taking control of an aircraft.
