Baggage handlers, caterers, engineers and maintenance staff will undergo random testing for explosives in a new security crackdown.
The Turnbull government announced the new measures on Sunday, just months after an alleged plot to smuggle an explosive onto an international flight from Sydney Airport was foiled.
Transport Minister Darren Chester says the new checks strengthen existing controls by ensuring airport staff are authorised and appropriately trained before entering secure areas.
They may also be checked while working.
"Airport workers, together with their vehicles and belongings, will be randomly selected for explosive trace detection testing and other screening when entering or working in secure airside areas at major airports," Mr Chester said in a statement on Sunday.
"Other measures being introduced include stronger access controls and additional security awareness training for aviation workers.
Pilots, terrorism experts and the Transport Workers Union have lobbied for strengthened screening of workers including casual staff and sub-contractors.
The move to beef up security comes after authorities claimed to have foiled an alleged terrorist plot in which a military-grade explosive was stashed inside luggage to be put on a July 15 flight from Sydney to Abu Dhabi.
Mr Chester said the new rules would be implemented progressively to provide flexibility for airports.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced earlier in the month that facial-recognition technology would be enhanced up as a counter-terrorism measure.
State governments agreed with the changes, along with new Commonwealth offences for terrorism hoaxes and the possession of the instructional terrorist material.
