Full-body scans rolled out at all Australian international airports after trial

PASSENGERS at airports across Australia will be forced to undergo full-body scans or be banned from flying under new laws to be introduced into Federal Parliament this week.

In a radical $28 million security overhaul, the scanners will be installed at all international airports from July and follows trials at Sydney and Melbourne in August and September last year.

The Government is touting the technology as the most advanced available, with the equipment able to detect metallic and non-metallic items beneath clothing.

It's also keen to allay concerns raised on travel online forums that passengers would appear nude on security screens as they had when similar scanners were introduced at US airports.

The technology will show passengers on a screen as stick figures of neither sex.

The system has approval from the Privacy Commission.

The images will also be discarded after each passenger has been cleared.

The proposed Aviation Security Amendment (Screening) Bill 2012 will make it mandatory for any passenger selected to participate in undergoing a body scan.

The "no scan, no fly" amendment closes a loophole in the legislation, which allows passengers to request a pat-down instead of having to pass through a metal detector.

(Full Article)

I cannot believe they are going ahead with these full-body scanners. Why don't we ever get to vote on these types of bills? Come July, you will not be able to travel internationally without going through these scanners, and pat-downs are no longer an option. Transport Minister Anthony Albanese states these scanners are necessary to ensure the overall safety and well-being of passengers. What a load of rubbish. Another loss of freedom in the name of security.

Woohoo!














I wish we could vote.

At least it would stop potential threats from entering Australia.

reply to post by Dark Ghost

Why don't we ever get to vote on these types of bills?

Exactly. The crap they put in the capitalist media is pure distraction. They want us to argue over boat people while they sneak things through like 'covered bond legislation.' A democracy my ass.

This stupid australian government expect us to believe their rubbish. They've told nothing but lies ever since they came into power. Remember that they were not even elected by the people but got in with support of independents. Now we have no choice but do 'as we're told'. Well .... this little birdie is not going to fly anywhere. It's about time people took a stand and went on 'strike' by refusing to fly for one or two days.

reply to post by bluebird2


I like the idea of a non-flying strike. If enough people did this they would have no choice but to listen to our concerns over these scanners. Unfortunately, most people do not realise where we are heading and will embrace these scanners as another necessary step to ensure their security.