Media Releases
Friday, 29th January 2010
The Rudd Labor Government has moved to strengthen security at Australian ports as well as oil and gas facilities to better protect maritime infrastructure from the threat of terrorism.
The Government will introduce changes to the Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC) scheme in order to:
Australia is one of only three comparable nations to conduct background checks on people accessing secure areas at ports, ships and off-shore facilities.
The Government’s changes will improve security at Australia’s ports and offshore facilities by strengthening the MSIC scheme introduced by the previous government.
We are determined to get this important area of national security right.
These reforms are the result of a comprehensive review and consultation process that the Government initiated to make sure the MSIC was achieving its original objectives.
All individuals with unmonitored access to security sensitive areas at ports, offshore oil and gas facilities and onboard security regulated ships, must currently hold an MSIC or be accompanied by an MSIC holder.
There are currently about 120,000 MSIC holders which includes truck drivers, oil and gas rig employees and stevedores.
The MSIC scheme is first and foremost about making sure that individuals convicted of offences which may threaten or be relevant to maritime security are precluded from accessing secure areas.
The changes announced today to strengthen the MSIC scheme will apply to all new applicants as well as those seeking to renew their cards.
Electorate Office
334a Marrickville Rd
Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: 02 9564 3588
Parliament House Office
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Phone: 02 6277 7700
Electorate Office
334a Marrickville Rd
Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: 02 9564 3588
Parliament House Office
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Phone: 02 6277 7700
Phone: (02) 9564 3588
Fax: (02) 9564 1734
Email: A.Albanese.MP@aph.gov.au
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our offices stand and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge the sorrow of the Stolen Generations and the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We also recognise the resilience, strength and pride of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Authorised by Anthony Albanese. 334a Marrickville Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204.