When considering the implementation of this new technology at our airports the community will need to be assured that the scans are safe and that their privacy of the travelling public is absolutely protected . Legitimate concerns have also been raised about the level of inconvenience travellers will face at airports and the value body scanners will add to our overall national security regime.

The Coalition has referred the legislation to the House of Representatives Committee on Infrastructure and Communications for their consideration and to obtain assurances that appropriate health and privacy standards are met, that the machines are effective and that they add value to our national security framework. The Committee is presently considering submissions made by a number of privacy advocacy organisations, the Department and concerned citizens. It is expected to report before the bill is debated during the Budget session of the Parliament.

The Coalition will consider its final position on the deployment of body scanners at international departure points at our airports once the Committee has reported to the Parliament.