Today the Australian Parliament passed legislation which further strengthens security across the Australia’s maritime and aviation sectors.

The successful passage of the Transport Security Amendment (2008 Measures No. 1) Bill 2008 will assist our transport operators by providing greater clarity and certainty in the fulfilment of their security obligations, allowing them to get on with that they do best – keep our transport industries moving.

Specifically, the legislation:

• Provides for the establishment of nationally consistent mapping standards for maritime security plans;


• Clarifies the security obligations on foreign regulated ships visiting an external Australian territory;


• Provides the Government greater flexibility to respond to changes in Australia’s security environment and the operational requirements of industry by allowing maritime and offshore security plans to be approved for a period of up to five years (but not less than 12 months); and


• Recognises current approaches to the documentation of security planning within the aviation and maritime industries.

The new measures amend the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 and the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004.

Australia’s maritime and aviation industries are critical to Australia’s economic prosperity. By strengthening our security laws we are helping to safeguard these vital industries.

Sea freight accounts for 76 per cent of the value of Australia’s international trade and our offshore oil and gas operations are valued at $22.7 billion. The aviation industry directly supports some 50,000 jobs and contributes a further $6.8 billion to Australia's economy.

The Government’s measures will help make sure our maritime and aviation industries can confidently interpret, implement and administer legislation as it relates to their daily business practices.