Checked Baggage Screening (CBS) at regional airports
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why introduce CBS screening at regional airports
An effective aviation security framework relies on airlines and airports implementing a multilayered set of security measures designed to reduce the risk of unlawful interference with aircraft. CBS is a key layer of security designed to ensure that passengers' checked baggage is screened for explosives prior to being loaded onto jet aircraft.
The new measures are being introduced as part of a commitment from the Australian Government to help improve aviation safety and security throughout regional Australia.
2. Who will be affected by the new measures?
The new measures will affect all Australian travellers who depart from the 29 regional airports on jet aircraft, or an aircraft leaving close to a jet aircraft, where CBS is being introduced. These airports are:
- Argyle (Western Australia)
- Broome (Western Australia)
- Derby/Curtin (Western Australia)
- Kalgoorlie (Western Australia)
- Karratha (Western Australia)
- Kununurra (Western Australia)
- Learmonth (Western Australia)
- Newman (Western Australia)
- Paraburdoo (Western Australia)
- Port Hedland (Western Australia)
- Ravensthorpe (Western Australia)
- Hamilton Island (Queensland)
- Hervey Bay (Queensland)
- Mackay (Queensland)
- Mt Isa (Queensland)
- Rockhampton (Queensland)
- Sunshine Coast (Queensland)
- Townsville (Queensland)
- Whitsunday Coast (Queensland)
- Avalon (Victoria)
- Ayers Rock (Northern Territory)
- Gove (Northern Territory)
- Ballina (New South Wales)
- Coffs Harbour (New South Wales)
- Newcastle (New South Wales)
- Launceston (Tasmania)
- Christmas Island
- Cocos Island
- Norfolk Island
Most travellers will not notice any difference. However, travellers who work in mining or farming industries, or who are regularly exposed to explosives or fertilisers may cause a positive reading on the Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) equipment.
3. What are the new measures?
New measures are being introduced to screen checked baggage at regional airports in Australia. The extension of CBS to regional domestic airports was announced in the 2007-08 Budget and is already in place at 11 designated airports throughout Australia. Screening of checked baggage will initially be carried out through hand held ETD equipment that searches for minute traces of explosive and fertiliser residue on checked-in baggage.
4. What types of baggage do these measures cover?
All baggage that is checked-in at the main service counter when you arrive at the airport and is carried in the hold of the aircraft is affected by these new measures.
5. What is Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) technology?
ETD technology is highly sensitive and extremely sophisticated. ETD uses chemical analysis techniques to discover traces (microscopic amounts) of explosive compounds on clothing, baggage and other items such as documents. ETD equipment can come in a variety of sizes depending on its purpose. ETD is often used for pre-blast screening of passengers and other items to determine if they are in possession of explosives or have recently been in contact with explosive compounds.
6. How does ETD work?
There are two common methods by which these systems collect the samples needed for analysis; swipe and or vapour. Some ETD systems incorporate dual collection methods, allowing the option of using either swipe or vapour collection as required by the security operator. ETD systems that use the swipe collection method require the operator to wipe a sampling pad across the surface of the items that are the subject of the test. The sampling pad is then removed from the applicator and then inserted into the ETD machine for analysis. The vapour method differs. It uses a suction of air (vacuum) to collect both particles and vapour (that emanates from explosives) from the items under test. The ETD machine alerts the operator to the presence of any explosive traces that warrant further examination.
7. What will happen if I return a positive response?
If your baggage registers a positive response you will be contacted by airport personnel and the interior of your bag will be inspected. Once cleared, you and your baggage will be permitted to board the aircraft.
8. How does CBS improve aviation security?
The use of CBS provides an additional layer of security to the multi-layer security approach used at airports throughout Australia. The introduction of CBS at regional airports allows for screening of baggage that would have previously gone unscreened.
9. Can I refuse to have my bags screened?
All checked-in baggage may be screened. This is a compulsory measure to ensure the safety and security of travellers.
10. Will the new measures cause delays at airports?
The introduction of the new measures should cause minimal disruption to travellers and aircraft departures and arrivals.
11. When will the measures take effect?
Effective 1 December 2007, CBS by hand held ETD equipment will be implemented at 29 Australian regional airports receiving regular jet services.
12. How much are the new measures costing?
The 2007/2008 budget allowed $15.4 million for the extension of domestic CBS to continue to improve Australias aviation security framework. This enhancement is an incremental measure to be delivered firstly through the use of ETD, by 1 December 2007, followed by full explosives detection system capable X-ray equipment by 1 December 2008.