What it does
The Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005 (the Regulations) provide the detailed operational framework for safeguarding against unlawful interference with aviation, as enabled by the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 (the Act). At their core, the Regulations prescribe mandatory requirements for aviation industry participants to develop, implement, and maintain Transport Security Programs (TSPs) under Part 2. These TSPs must address risk contexts, organisational structures, quality control (including audits and reviews under regs 2.12 and 2.30), physical security, access control, screening/clearing, and contingency measures for heightened security alerts (regs 2.21 and 2.43). For example, reg 2.05 requires all TSPs to contain a signed statement affirming compliance with the Act's s 16(1) obligation to prevent interference.
The Regulations establish controls over airport areas and zones in Part 3. This includes prescribing categories of security controlled airports (reg 3.01B: designated, tier 1, tier 2, tier 3) based on passenger volumes, international operations, and aircraft types (reg 3.01C). Airside and landside security zones are defined (regs 3.01–3.02B), with security restricted areas (SRAs) at designated airports subject to strict access control points, screening, signs, and airside security awareness training (Subdivision 3.3.3, regs 3.16A–3.16J). Counter-terrorist first response forces are mandated for designated airports (Division 3.5, regs 3.28–3.31), including explosive detection dogs at major sites like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Screening and clearing are central (Division 4.1). Reg 4.04 specifies detection of weapons, prohibited items, and explosives; Subdivisions 4.1.1A–1.1AB add LAG products and inorganic powders, with offences for non-compliance (e.g. reg 4.22G for LAG products passing screening points, reg 4.22QC for inorganic powders). Checked baggage screening (Subdivision 4.1.2) requires reconciliation (reg 4.38) and prohibits explosives (reg 4.38). Cargo examination (Division 4.1A) mandates security declarations (reg 4.41D), with offences for loading without one (reg 4.41G) or failing to examine per notices (reg 4.41K). Known consignors, regulated air cargo agents (RACAs), and accredited air cargo agents (AACAs) have dedicated approval, program, and compliance regimes (Subdivisions 4.1A.1B–4.1A.5).