Ship passenger face new search powers

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2010 Mar 11

Security officers will be given frisk search powers over some ship passengers under the latest update of federal government counter-terrorism measures.

Transport Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday told parliament the failed terrorist attempt against a US-bound plane, from Europe, on Christmas Day highlighted the need for a security system that could adapt rapidly.

Mr Albanese was introducing a bill that changes both maritime and aviation security law.

One change will end the one-size-fits-all approach to passenger ship security and allow them to be dealt with according to factors like size, passenger capacity and areas of operation.

Frisk search powers - which already exist for plane travellers - would be introduced "to enhance the screening and clearance of passengers and crew in certain circumstances," Mr Albanese said.

Changes to aviation security include empowering the minister to add to the list of items not allowed on planes.

Currently, the prohibited-items list can only be changed by regulation, which Mr Albanese said involved a relatively lengthy legislative process.

The change means the list can be more easily updated to reflect emerging security threats, he said.

Source: news.smh.com.au

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