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  • Aviation and maritime security under siege

    17/06/11

    Since the election of the Rudd/Gillard Labor Government, Australia’s once strong aviation and maritime security regime has been eroded and the Government’s latest Budget has done nothing to fix the grave problems faced at our ports and airports, Shadow Minister for Justice, Customs and Border Protection Michael Keenan said today.

    “Unfortunately the Government is continuing to reduce its investment in our borders and is exposing Australians to grave security risks by making it easier for illicit drugs, weapons and other contraband to enter Australia,” he said.

    “Australia’s ports and airports have become more vulnerable to organised criminal syndicates with greater volumes of contraband slipping through our borders onto our streets.

    “Since coming to office three years ago, Labor has cut $58.1 million in funding to Customs for cargo screening, making Australia’s borders less secure and our nation more vulnerable.

    “Labor’s latest Budget revealed that there would be an increase in cargo entering Australia by 21.9 million extra air cargo consignments in the forward estimates yet no additional resources were provided to inspect cargo,” he said.

    “In the most recent Customs Annual report it was revealed that only 4.3 per cent of sea cargo is x-rayed and only 0.6 per cent of sea cargo is physically examined.

    “The Gillard Labor Government have further weakened Australia’s aviation security by axing $34 million and 87 Customs and Border Protection operational staff that scrutinise arrivals into Australia’s eight international airports. As a result of this Budget, there will be fewer sets of eyes and ears checking for drugs and weapons at Australian international airports.

    “The Government continues to treat Australia’s national security as a game of Jenga, pulling out pieces of the tower hoping it won’t collapse. These actions do not reflect a Government that is serious about protecting Australia’s borders,” Mr Keenan said.
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