Transport Security
The Australian Government's Role in Transport Security
The Australian Government is working with State and Territory governments and industry to improve the security of Australia's transport system and reduce the likelihood of transport being a target or used as a vehicle for terrorism.
The Australian Government works within the framework of the National Counter-Terrorism Plan to:
- provide strategic leadership and national consistency in transport security;
- set and enforce a preventive security framework for aviation, air cargo and the maritime sector; and
- work with State and Territory governments to implement effective and consistent preventive security measures in surface transport.
The Department's Role in Transport Security
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government provides policy advice to the Australian Government on transport security matters and has responsibility for the development of a National Transport Security Strategy.
We also consult with the other Australian Government agencies, state and territory governments and the transport industry, in order to:
- develop national threat and risk assessment strategies for transport security;
- develop and implement a Transport Industry Assurance Advisory Group as part of the Trusted Information Sharing Network for Critical Infrastructure Protection; and
- provide advice on international transport security developments and implications for Australian Government policies and practices.
Aviation Security Screening Review
The aim of the Aviation Security Screening Review is to examine a range of factors affecting aviation security screening.
Information for Australian Travellers
Keep yourself informed of the security status of the countries you are visiting.
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The Aviation Security Branch provides policy advice to the Australian Government on aviation security, set standards for aviation security measures, and tests, monitors and evaluates compliance with those standards, policies and procedures consistent with the Aviation Transport Security Legislation 2004 and the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005.
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Click here to find more facts about aviation security and air cargo security.
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Click here for information on the Regulated Agent scheme including requirements for air handlers and Regulated Air Cargo Agents.
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As part of Australia's international treaty obligations the Department's Maritime Security Regulation Branch is responsible for the implementation of special measures to enhance maritime security in particular for requirements within Chapter XI-2 of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, and the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) which came into effect on 1 July 2004.
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In 2003 the Maritime Transport Security Act 2003 (MTSA) was introduced to help safeguard Australia's domestic and international sea trade, our maritime assets, and our citizens. Under this Act the Australian Government regulates the security arrangements of Australian ports, port facilities, and ships.
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Unlike the aviation and maritime industries, where security regulation is the primary responsibility of the Australian Government, surface transport security, including rail, light rail, buses, and passenger ferries, is the responsibility of the state or territory in which the service is located.
Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP)
Click here for information on the Trusted Information Sharing Network (TISN) for Critical Infrastructure Protection.
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Information about the security of Dangerous Goods.
Legislation, Regulations and Codes
Click here for all Transport Security related Acts and Regulations.
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Click here for the Office of Transport Security's Strategic Plan 2007 - 2010 and Regulatory Philosophy
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Click here for a list of Transport Security related links.
Contact the Office of Transport Security
Follow this link for details on how to contact the Office of Transport Security.