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Jan 12, 02, 8:10 am
Airport security staff lack training: survey
Most security guards at Australia's major airports have not had access to training in dangerous goods, which could help identify potential terrorist material, according to a new national survey.
The survey, conducted by the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union (LMHU), found that most airport screeners at Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra airports had not completed the dangerous goods course, mainly because of cost constraints.
The course involves training in identifying key chemicals, gases, waste products and explosives that need to be stopped from going onto aircraft.
LHMU Airport Security Union secretary Jeff Lawrence said it was unsatisfactory that these skills shortages continued four months after the September 11 tragedy.
"The S11 crisis in America was caused by lax screening standards," Mr Lawrence said.
"It seems Australia is yet to learn that lesson."
He said federal transport minister John Anderson should order Qantas to provide the money to, and work with, their sub-contracted security companies to immediately put all their security staff through these courses.
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/story_4303.asp
Most security guards at Australia's major airports have not had access to training in dangerous goods, which could help identify potential terrorist material, according to a new national survey.
The survey, conducted by the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union (LMHU), found that most airport screeners at Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra airports had not completed the dangerous goods course, mainly because of cost constraints.
The course involves training in identifying key chemicals, gases, waste products and explosives that need to be stopped from going onto aircraft.
LHMU Airport Security Union secretary Jeff Lawrence said it was unsatisfactory that these skills shortages continued four months after the September 11 tragedy.
"The S11 crisis in America was caused by lax screening standards," Mr Lawrence said.
"It seems Australia is yet to learn that lesson."
He said federal transport minister John Anderson should order Qantas to provide the money to, and work with, their sub-contracted security companies to immediately put all their security staff through these courses.
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/story_4303.asp