Asia Pacific AVSEC

The conference continued its tradition of bringing together key policy makers, aviation industry professionals and security service and solution providers. In its eight year, the event provided a unique and relaxed networking platform that offered speakers and delegates the opportunity to engage in a thorough debate about aviation security today and in the future.

Asia Pacific AVSEC 2013 was chaired and facilitated by Geoffrey Askew, former Head of Security and Emergency Management for the Qantas Group and Principal of his own consulting firm Askew & Associates. ABC Radio interviewed Mr Askew about the conference outcomes and emerging trends in the aviation sector. Key themes included the move from looking for bad things at the screening point to looking for people with bad intentions – a move that will require improved information sharing between all stakeholders. “As technologies and people’s capabilities improve at the screening point, we will probably see a reduction in the number of prohibited items [on board an aircraft]”, Mr Askew said. You can listen to the full interview here:

The conference commenced with a frank talk by Paul Retter, Executive Director at the Office of Transport Security – Department of Infrastructure and Transport. Mr Retter addressed the increasing challenges the aviation industry is facing due to a rise in demand. “We are having to think creatively about achieving the same outcomes but doing it differently, doing it more efficiently but at the same time not throwing effectiveness out the door”, Mr Retter said. At the same time, he urged industry to be more involved in aviation security: “CEOs should be as accountable for security as they are for safety, it’s part of the core business. I look forward to joining the CEO of any airline or airport who thinks he won’t be in the dock with me if we have a serious incident in Australia, because we will be, joined at the hip. What did you know? What did you do? Did you meet the statutory requirements? Had you been given information about the threat? And what had you done about it? And board members, watch out as well… There are two things in aviation that will make (a company) go belly up in a big way, one’s safety, one’s security.” A more detailed report on Mr Retter’s speech can be accessed on the Aviation Business Asia Pacific Magazine website

Assistant Commissioner Shane Connelly, National Manager Aviation at the Australian Federal Police gave the audience an update on emerging issues on board of Australian aircrafts: “We are seeing an increase of alcohol and anti-social behaviour on aircraft. We believe the airlines are doing a fantastic job in dealing with these problematic issues…The role of an ASO (aviation security officer = air marshall) may necessarily evolve if this problem continues to concern us… The ASOs will all be fully sworn police officers by August of this year, so every ASO will have full policing powers.”

Further conference highlights included presentations by:

• Klaus Felsche, Director of Intent Management & Analytics, Department of Immigration and Citizenship 
• Jeff Buckpitt, National Director Passenger, Australian Customs & Border Protection Services 
• Tom Roche, Managing Director, SNP Security 
• Gary Bowden, Head of Group Security & Emergency Response, Virgin Australia Group of Airlines

Asia Pacific AVSEC will again be held in March 2014.For further information, please contact:

Tim Bostridge, General Manager Maritime & Transport
Email: tim.bostridge@informa.com.au
Phone: (02) 9080 4318