REGIONAL Express passengers should undergo security scans at Albury airport, the member for Benambra says.
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Bill Tilley believes regulations which allow passenger services, with planes weighing under 20 tonnes, to avoid security checks should be scrapped.
“I have the view if you’re a commercial passenger service that each and every passenger should be screened, without a doubt,” Mr Tilley said.
“The guideline that permits a commercial passenger plane under a certain weight limit to fly into our two largest airports carrying passengers who have gone through zero security checks is now outdated.”
As Rex’s Saab 340 aircraft are less than 20 tonnes, its passengers do not get screened at Albury, unlike those flying Qantas, Virgin and Jetgo.
A spokesman for the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development, which includes that office, would not comment on whether the 20-tonne rule would change in light of the terror arrests in Sydney at the weekend.
Mr Tilley said he would push the federal government and industry for change, noting counter-terrorism experts had for a decade wanted universal screening.
The Victorian Liberal MLA’s NSW peer Greg Aplin declined to back one rule for all passenger planes.
“Where does one stop?” Mr Aplin said, pointing out vehicles “could be driven into points which could be sensitive”.
“I’m not concerned about it, in terms of Albury I think they do a thorough job and yes it’s an anomaly but you have to ask the AFP (police) why it is.”
Transport Workers Union director of aviation Shane O’Brien said there was “no discernible reason” for not doing security checks on all regional services.
“To put it bluntly if there is an attack on a small plane and it’s 20 lives lost not 300 lives, it doesn’t make it better,” Mr O’Brien said.
He also wants greater security checks on airport staff.
