Pubdate: Wed, 11 May 2005
Source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation (Australia Web)
Copyright: 2005 Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Contact:  http://www.abc.net.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/34

CAMERA SURVEILLANCE CONSIDERED FOR BAGGAGE HANDLERS

Baggage handlers at Australian airports may be subject to spy cameras and 
personal security checks after alleged links between personnel at Sydney 
Airport and drug trafficking were revealed by police.

Customs Minister Chris Ellison is due to meet a task force on airport 
security this evening in response to the arrest of several people over a 
major cocaine smuggling operation, alleged to have operated through the 
airport.

Senator Ellison says he is looking at checks for baggage handlers on 
entering and leaving the airport, as well as better surveillance in cargo 
holds and other sensitive areas.

"The question is also whether you have covert television cameras as well, 
because obviously you have to have overt ones in halls and areas such as 
that but in relation to surveillance I would also support it being covert," 
he said.

He says this is an opportunity for the Transport Workers Union to become 
involved.

"Let's see the... union go along with our measures for the installation of 
increased surveillance in those work areas and I would say to the union, 
'We want to work with you; we'd look forward to your co-operation in 
relation to increased surveillance'," he said.

Meanwhile, the head of Sydney Airport has promised his full-cooperation on 
any security improvements deemed necessary.

Max Moore-Wilton has rejected union claims that airport security has been 
cut by 40 per cent.

But he says there does appear to be a gap in security procedures for 
baggage handlers which are mostly employed by Qantas.

"This does appear to be a gap in the mandated security procedures and we 
will do everything possible to improve that situation if that's what the 
appropriate authorities tell us needs to be done," he said.

"It does look on the face of it that something does need to be done."
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MAP posted-by: Elizabeth Wehrman