Matt Williams (Hindmarsh, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I welcome the member for Grayndler's constructive comments on this bill and his emphasis on public safety and economic benefit derived from important initiatives, such as this Aviation Transport Security Amendment (Cargo) Bill 2015. A recent re-evaluation of Australia's air cargo security arrangements to the United States determined that they do not meet the required standards. This is part of the background to this bill, which I will now outline.

The United States requires by law that all airlines transporting cargo on passenger flights must examine 100 per cent of that air cargo at piece level. As such, the coalition government introduced this bill to ensure that Australian air cargo meets the security requirements for air cargo exports to the United States in the future. In terms of air freight and cargo, it is relevant for all states in Australia and all airports around Australia, particularly those larger ones. In my electorate of Hindmarsh I have Adelaide Airport—hence, the airport plays a significant role in the local economy and in my electorate, whether it be people employed at the airport or businesses surrounding the airport.

In terms of the details of this bill, this means that each individual box, carton or other item in a shipment must be examined by technology or physically inspected before it is loaded onto a United States bound aircraft. As the member for Grayndler mentioned, airport security is of paramount importance—more so with the terrorism we have had to confront not just over the last few years but back to September 11, almost 15 years ago. That is a bit of history for you, Mr Deputy Speaker Irons, that I am sure you are aware of, being the knowledgeable man that you are.

The amendments proposed in this bill support our efforts to meet the US security requirements. Importantly, we are partnering with industry to implement the new security requirements. This strategy has two elements that will allow exporters to choose the most effective methods for their businesses. As we know, export and trade are important elements of our economy as we seek to service the growth economies of the world not just in Asia but also in the US, which is often the strongest economy in the world and will continue to rebound, no matter what financial and economic challenges it faces.

The first part of the strategy is already being implemented with a number of businesses examining cargo, at piece level, by X-ray before it gets to the airport cargo terminal. The second part of the strategy is being supported by amendments in the bill that create the legal authority for the establishment of a Known Consignor scheme. While this bill will make sure that Australia's $4.8 billion worth of air freight exports to the United States can continue, the Australian government has secured an agreement with the United States that recognition of our national cargo security program be extended to July 2017. This means that Australian air cargo to the United States can continue without disruption while transitioning to the new arrangements.

This bill also ensures that our air security arrangements are consistent with international standards under the Chicago convention. The strategy not only meets the requirements of the United States; it also meets anticipated requirements of our trading partners. If these measures are not implemented, industry will have no choice about how to meet the new security requirements set by the United States, as the Transport Security Administration has made it very clear that it will not accept air cargo unless all of it is screened at piece level. The Australian government has an ongoing commitment to ensuring the security and safety of Australians and Australia's interests. We also remain committed to maintaining and growing Australia's international trade.

In terms of trade, I want to return to speaking about Adelaide Airport for a moment and some interesting figures from the last 15 years. Adelaide Airport has increased the number of international passengers four times, and total passenger numbers have doubled over that time. So congratulations to Adelaide Airport and all involved for the significant success they have had over the last 15 years. In terms of freight and cargo, the topic of this bill, over 8,000 tonnes of freight are exported from Adelaide Airport every year—over $400 million. This is significant in its own right, and there is optimism for the future as we seek to export more trade to the fastest economies in the world, and in particular to Asia, utilising the trade agreements.

In terms of the airport I consult with key residential bodies associated with the community who keep in regular contact with me about matters pertaining to their suburbs but also some things that might come up from time to time about the airport. I want to congratulate some of the local residents' associations, like the neighbourhood watch groups who engage constructively, not just with me but also with Adelaide Airport, on ongoing issues that may arise. For example, there is the Netley Residents' association, and Bob Owen makes some positive contributions there about how to improve the local area around Netley. I want to commend Bob and the Netley Residents' association on their important role.

One example that came up recently was about a parcel of land which was located next to a creek and which the airport, SA Water, the local water authority, and the council all had a role in maintaining. The parcel of land had some issues with snakes and a local children's playground. After some conversations between all stakeholders, it was resolved to amend the maintenance of the land and the way it was constructed. I want to congratulate all parties on that very constructive outcome. Attending the Netley Residents' association recently, I found they had a strong interest in many local issues. I congratulate them again for their good work. They are committed to a better community and they work to engage key stakeholders.

I also attended the Camden Park Neighbourhood Watch group last Monday night. They are another good local association that takes interest in issues affecting their area. They are close to the airport. They do not have as many issues with the airport as some other associations do but they still play a very constructive role on local matters, whether they be crime related, safety related or general wellbeing in the community. They asked some very good questions last week. So I congratulate Rosalie and the committee on the good work they are doing, and I look forward to supporting them further in the future.

On neighbourhood watch, I want to mention Lockleys Neighbourhood Watch, which borders the airport, and is very active on many local issues, including noise and traffic at the airport. I have had a number of conversations with key members of that committee. They turned 30 in recent times and had their 30th birthday celebration last weekend. Unfortunately, I was unable to make it but I wish them well and look forward to further engagement with that body. I congratulate the local councillors involved in that association—in particular, Rosalie Haese and Garth Palmer for the good work that they do with the Lockleys Residents' association as they do with Reedbeds, West Beach Neighbourhood Watch and the many other residents' associations in the area. They are all surrounding the airport and have links to the airport. With that, I end my contribution to this debate. I thank my colleagues for their contributions as well, and I commend this bill to the House.

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