✦ Plain-English Summary

Transport Security Amendment (Serious Crime) 2019

What it does

This law gives the government power to create new security rules at Australian airports and seaports specifically to stop criminals from using planes and ships. It adds "preventing serious crime" as an official reason for transport security checks and regulations, alongside the existing aviation safety rules.

Why it matters

Airport and port workers, contractors, and anyone with security clearance could face stricter background checks and access controls. The government gets clearer legal authority to tighten security measures if they believe it'll stop serious criminals from exploiting transport networks.

Key details

• Background checks: Regulations can now require more detailed security checks on people accessing restricted airport and port areas
• Who's affected: Workers, contractors, and anyone needing security passes at airports and maritime facilities
• Start date: The law came into effect the day after it received Royal Assent (late 2019)
• Penalties: The government can set penalties for breaking these new security rules, though the exact amounts aren't listed in this excerpt

Official Description

Amends the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 and Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 to: prevent the use of aviation and maritime transport or offshore facilities in connection with serious crime; establish a regulatory framework to implement harmonised eligibility criteria for the aviation security identification card (ASIC) and maritime security identification card (MSIC) schemes; clarify and align the legislative basis for undertaking security checking of ASIC and MSIC applicants and holders; provide for regulations to prescribe penalties for offences; and insert an additional severability provision to provide guidance to a court as to Parliament’s intention.

Committee Referrals

Senate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Bills; Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee; Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights

No formal division recorded

This bill passed by voice vote — parliament agreed without calling a formal count. A division is only recorded when a member explicitly requests one.

No votes yet.

No votes were recorded for this bill.