Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has told large regional airports to conduct risk assessments after a teenager armed with a shotgun tried to board a Jetstar flight at Avalon Airport outside Melbourne last week.
“I directed my department to write to Avalon and all similar airports to inform them that they will be required to conduct a risk assessment to determine what security upgrades are necessary to prevent incidents like this one,” Burke said in a media statement.
“The department is also working on measures (including use of directive powers) which would require airports to improve detection and monitoring of any intrusion into their grounds,” he added.
On March 6, the 17-year-old entered the airport via a hole in the perimeter fence and walked over a kilometre before crossing the parking apron, walking up the aircraft’s stairs, and being confronted by a crew member. Passengers and crew overpowered him.
The directive includes Newcastle, Hobart, Launceston, Sunshine Coast, Alice Springs, Townsville, Mackay and Rockhampton Airports. Capital city and major regional airports such as Cairns and the Gold Coast have a permanent police presence, but many, like Avolon, do not.
The privately-owned Avalon Airport handles over 900,000 passengers annually. Jetstar flies to Sydney, the Gold Coast, and Brisbane from the airport. Avalon Airport is also undertaking an internal security assessment following the incident.
