TRANSPORT Minister Anthony Albanese has called for the need to strengthen security at Australia's ports as well as oil and gas facilities.
He says by strengthening port security levels, it will protect maritime infrastructure from the threat of terrorism.
The federal government will introduce changes to the Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC) scheme which will include all card holders to undergo a compulsory criminal history check and an ASIO security assessment every two years, instead of every five years.
A new offence to prosecute MSIC holders who fail to advice of changes to their criminal records will also be introduced as part of the changes, according to Albanese.
Albanese says Australia’s port will benefit from the changes.
“Australia is one of only three comparable nations to conduct background checks on people accessing secure areas at ports, ships and off-shore facilities,” he says.
“The Government's changes will improve security at Australia's ports and offshore facilities by strengthening the MSIC scheme introduced by the previous government.
“We are determined to get this important area of national security right.”
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