ASIO queries airport security upgrades

National security service ASIO found problems with Australian airport security six years ago, but it's not sure if the problems have been fixed.

Airport securityAirport security
National security service ASIO has no idea whether the problems it highlighted at airports six years ago have been fixed.

A special team review found problems in measures for mitigating terrorist attacks, but it had no authority to implement its recommendations.

"Unless we were asked to come in and look again at it, we don't have a role further than that," deputy director-general Kerri Hartland told a Senate inquiry in Melbourne on Friday.

ASIO, in a submission to the inquiry into airport and aviation security, says civil aviation remains a high-value terrorist target, and it keeps the threat to the aviation sector under constant review.

The threat alert level was lifted from medium to high in 2014.

ASIO's business liaison unit will start a program of engagement with regional airport security managers during February.


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