Body Scanners in Australia?
 

I just read this article about plans to install body scanners in Australia.

http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-...326-1cavi.html

Does anyone have any additional information about this? Are they planning on having it at all airports, or only at international airports? Are they going to be backscatter or MMW scanners? Also, are they going to allow people to opt-out?

I have always liked flying through Australia and have actually found their security protocols to be pleasant, so I was disappointed to read this.

We've enjoyed our four trips to Australia. Mandatory porno-scanning and/or gropes will keep us from ever returning, just as now we will not set foot in the UK.

they have been discussing these for some time and did appear to be dragging their feet somewhat on the introduction - but I agree the article sounds like time may be approaching.

It also appears they have not yet decided the type, and I doubt there would be opt-out.

It has been one of the reasons I have been so interested in the opposition to them in the US, our government (sadly) often blindly follows when the US whistles. I was hoping enough opposition to them there may see them fade into obscurity.

well if implemented it looks like that will be a location i will remove from my bucket list, and have no problems telling the aussie tourism board as such.

please do tell them even before they are implemented - especially in light of the not to distant hoopla over Oprah's! visit...

Anybody got contact info? I've visited Oz twice, love it, and was planning to go back - but will reconsider if there's mandatory AIT.

They're pleased with themselves for selecting a pure ATR option.

The problem with this is
1. false positives (including the feminine hygiene situation)
2. people with prosthetics/implants etc

how are these to be resolved? By the TSA method of grab and squeeze til satisfied?

Or will the aussies be hopefully a bit more intelligent....

I will just say that any country or organization that implements these monstrosities deserves the very worst results possible.

This is also one of my motivations for opposing them in the US. I would expect that the decision-makers here are well aware of the controversy in the US since Nov 2010.

Just a few days ago I had a search through the Australian government website looking for any update; the only thing visible is the press release from a year ago citing plans to introduce them this year.

The SMH states that the gov't plans to buy 26 machines which, by my back of the envelope calculation, suggests only international terminals (assuming 3 or 4 NoS per airport).

But I agree they seem to be dragging their feet; the press release linked above (Feb 2010) said:

Anthony Albanese is as dumb as Rudd, Howard and Gillard and should be fired.

+1

I went to Sydney twice in 2010. I'm sure they would like to know why I will never return, if mandatory :eek:

I have a secret fear that even after the HAM test has been such a failure, and despite all the public protest, and despite government reassurances, that the scanners will appear one day in Germany soon.

Unfortunately the TSA has a lot of power in other countries, as well. I do hope though that the EU or other countries/groups of nations will stand up and point out all the absurdities of adopting the scanners in current form and usage.

Then again, I would also like to see one country at least stand up and say 'fine, don't permit us to fly to the US' and watch the outcome.

Sadly like a cancer once one is installed they will grow out of control.

Unless it has recently changed, the UK is mandatory scan if you are picked - you have no option to choose to be patted down instead. To me, that is worse than "or" solution.