House Committee to inquire into body-scanning move

The House of Representatives Infrastructure and Communications Committee is conducting a new inquiry into the Aviation Transport Security Amendment (Screening) Bill 2012.

The Bill offers four amendments to the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004, and was introduced to the House last week.

The Bill provides for the introduction of millimetre wave body-scanning technology as a part of security screening procedures at Australian airports, alongside existing walk-through metal detectors.

In order to address privacy concerns about body-scanning, any image must be a generic and gender-neutral image, and no anatomical or physical attributes will be revealed - the person will not be able to be identified.

Unless there is a physical or medical reason, anyone passing through a security checkpoint will be required to comply with a request to undergo a body scan at Australian airports.

The Chair of the Committee, Sharon Bird, said, "The Committee looks forward to hearing from all interested parties on the amendments proposed in this bill".

The Committee will accept submissions until Tuesday, 28 February 2012.

The terms of reference are the text of the bill, which can be accessed, together with the explanatory memorandum, on the Committee's website at www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/ic/aviation/index.htm

For further details about the inquiry: contact the secretariat on phone (02) 6277 2352; email ic.reps@aph.gov.au; or website http://www.aph.gov.au/ic