Security to tighten on docks
Sydney Morning Herald
Thursday September 10, 2009
LAX rules that allow convicted criminals with links to terrorism or organised crime to work at the nation's ports are set to be toughened under a proposal being considered by the Government.The Federal Transport Minister, Anthony Albanese, said the Government was considering tightening access to the Maritime Security Identity Card, required by all maritime workers, a day after the Herald published details of a damning Office of Transport Security-commissioned report into the system.The changes, along with a declassified version of the report, have been circulating in the maritime industry as part of a consultation process the minister said would be complete "within weeks".The Government was considering broadening the offences that could prevent someone getting the security card to include offences ancillary to terrorism, as well as offences involving false identity documents, conspiracy, weapons violations, fraud, bribery and a range of other offences.The current rules already ban access to people convicted and jailed for offences including treason, espionage, offences involving weapons of mass destruction, offences involving hijacking and the trafficking of drugs.Mr Albanese said the Government was also considering expanding on the requirement for an offender to be convicted and receive a jail term before the card would be off-limits.The Opposition's customs spokeswoman, Sussan Ley, called for an "immediate" tightening of rules, saying the Government's lack of action so far was linked to the power of the union movement.
© 2009 Sydney Morning Herald