We were warned about airport security... four years ago

News Boss | Chris Smith

Does it sound to you like anything’s been done?

"Security at Australia's airports is seriously flawed: no one takes control of policing, agencies fail to share vital information on threats and, if there is a terrorist strike, police and airport staff are unable to communicate effectively.

"Bluntly put, in the everyday workings of airports, no one is taking overall charge of policing and security."

No, this is not the result of a quick review of what happened on Sunday - this was the conclusion made by Sir John Wheeler who investigated airport security in Australia… in 2005.

The Wheeler inquiry was commissioned in the wake of the 9/11 terror attacks in the US and the huge flaws in security he found, have been exposed once again by the bikie brawl.

Sir John warned:

*Policing at main airports was "inadequate and dysfunctional".

*Security systems "typically uncoordinated".

*There was a "glaring failure" to provide effective communication between federal and state police and airport security staff in a time of emergency, especially if the mobile phone service is shut down.

*He blamed turf wars and fights between agencies over resources as the root cause.

*He also found organised crime rings were operating at airports, stealing luggage, cars and equipment.

Among other things, Sir John recommended a more co-coordinated police presence under one commander, direct lines of communication between security, state and federal police, and an upgrading of the CCTV systems.

Does it sound to you like anything’s been done?

At the time, the Howard government’s response was a $200 million 'airport security plan.'

What’s happened to that?

Securoseal

(Australia): We were warned about airport security... four years ago.