Safer Skies in Regional Australia

Today I announced that significant financial support will be provided to regional airports across the country to assist them in the transition to tighter and safer security arrangements.

From 1 July, regional airports servicing aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of 20,000kg or more will be required to commence passenger and checked bag screening.

To assist those airports to carry out the new security screening procedures, $4.9 million in funding assistance will be made available.

The Federal Labor Government is upgrading aviation security in regional Australia as part of our ongoing commitment to making the skies safer.

The Government has already provided $32 million to regional and remote airports to purchase the necessary screening equipment, including walk-through and hand-held metal detectors, x-ray machines for carry-on baggage and explosive trace detection.

An additional $9 million has been provided to train security staff to use these new screening technologies. 

The $4.9 million being announced today will go towards minor modifications of passenger terminal facilities including the installation of passenger walkways, glass panels and check points.

The Government will work with the Australian Airports Association to deliver these modifications.

Funding will be contingent on a dollar for dollar contribution by eligible airports and will range from $100,000 to $460,000.

Over 130 million passengers fly through Australian skies every year. Their safety and security and that of all Australian passengers is the Government’s highest priority.

The following regional airports will receive funding: