Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) wish to inform members of the announcement by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) of its inquiry into the Transport Security Amendment (Security of Australia's Transport Sector) Bill 2024. The PJCIS invites submissions to the inquiry by Thursday, 13 February 2025.
This Bill seeks to amend the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 (ATSA) and the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 (MTOFSA) to strengthen safeguards against unlawful interference with critical infrastructure, including aviation, maritime transport, and offshore facilities.
Key Features of the Bill
- Expanded Definitions: Amendments to capture a broader variety of acts, including cyber security incidents and attempts, as well as successful acts.
- Cyber Security Reporting: Introduction of mandatory reporting requirements for cyber security incidents.
- All-Hazards Security Obligations: New obligations related to security programs, minimum security standards, assessments, and annual reporting.
- System Testing Requirements: Inclusion of system testing for maritime security controls and vulnerability testing in aviation and maritime sectors.
- Modernised Test Weapons: Updates to provisions allowing the Department to use new test weapons reflecting emerging threats.
- Broader Security Directions: Alignment of provisions across both Acts for issuing security directions.
- Non-Compliance Measures: Establishment of a demerit points scheme for the aviation sector.
- Port Definitions: Updated definitions to include infrastructure, operations, assets, and anchorages as part of port facilities.
The Bill also includes technical and administrative updates to both Acts.
Resources
Submissions
The PJCIS invites written submissions addressing any or all aspects of the draft legislation. Submissions must be prepared specifically for this inquiry and should not be published prior to being accepted by the Committee.
Members are encouraged to review the Bill and provide feedback to Tom Jensen by Thursday, 6 February 2025, for incorporation into the FTA/APSA submission.
Alternatively, submissions can be made directly:
- Submission Deadline: Thursday, 13 February 2025.
- Intent to Submit Notification: Please indicate your intention to make a submission by Monday, 3 February 2025, via email to pjcis@aph.gov.au.
- Further information about making a submission to a committee inquiry can be found at www.aph.gov.au/makesubmission.
- Submissions can be uploaded here.
This is an important opportunity to contribute to shaping the legislative framework for transport security in Australia, and we encourage members to participate.
Tom Jensen - Head of International Freight & Logistics - FTA / APSA
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