The Australian Government is considering implementation of new counter-terrorism measures to tighten security across airports in the country in the wake of a heightened terror alert level from medium to high.
Australia’s threat level has been at medium since 2003.
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The government plans to step up security measures after Australian security intelligence organisation (ASIO) director-general David Irvine said that there was a possibility of an attack on Australia.
Immigration minister Scott Morrison was quoted by Sky News as saying: "These are assessments made not by politicians but by heads of our agencies; in this case, David Irvine.
"I think what that demonstrates, and what the government’s response has been, has been addressing the very real threat that exists."
A new set of counter-terrorism measures, which will include tougher advance passenger processing (APP) system, will be announced by Morrison during an address to the national press club in Canberra.
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By GlobalDataSpeaking to AAP, Morrison added: "The coalition government will invest $34.8m in an expansion of Australia’s advance passenger processing (APP) systems.
"APP is currently used by airlines to send inbound traveller data to border agencies, confirming authority to travel and providing advance warning of threats to law enforcement, security and border agencies."
Out of the total investment, $13.7m will be used on strengthen Australia’s global airline liaison officer network. The APP expansion will help in alerting customs officers about potential foreign fighters, who are trying to leave Australia.
Australia also recently set up two counter-terrorism units at Sydney and Melbourne Airports to intercept suspicious people.
Image: Sydney Airport recently received a counter-terrorism unit as a part of increased security measures. Photo: courtesy of Sydney Airport.
