The Federal Labor Government will provide grants of up to $110,000 to airlines flying to small and remote tourism destinations like Kangaroo Island to help them get ready for new, increased aviation security measures.
From July 1 this year, the Government will require a number of regional airports to have security screening of passengers and baggage for the first time.
We recognise that many small and remote airports cannot afford the purchase and upkeep of screening equipment, especially when their only traffic is infrequent flights run by regional airlines for tourism or fly-in-fly-out mining operations .
That is why we will help eligible tourism operators and regional airlines purchase small portable passenger screening kits that can be carried on board and used at remote locations where screening would not otherwise be available.
This is a practical, common sense solution.
This is about supporting tourism and jobs in regional Australia and making sure our airports meet the highest security standards.
It means tourists, miners and others can keep flying to remote places like Kangaroo Island, Lake Eyre, Coober Pedy, Birdsville, King Island, Bourke, and Broken Hill.
The introduction of screening technology is being funded by the Federal Government’s $200 million Strengthening Aviation Security Initiative.
Australia has a proud record when it comes to aviation safety and security.
The safety and security of more than 130 million passengers every year is the Government’s highest priority.