Tony Windsor (New England, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

Irrespective of whether it was open or not, the whole debate was about the security of that gate and the possible impact on people. So there is obviously recognition within the government, and the opposition for that matter, that there is a threat to the Australian people from terrorist activity. If there is not, we should not have any protection at any of our airports. But the way in which it is structured at the moment, and the way in which people will look at our airports, is obviously that some airports are protected and others are not. They have similar aircraft on them, in many cases. Obviously, if there were a terrorist threat, people would be making their own determination as to where they were more likely to be caught.

A lot of people have argued about a range of matters in respect of security. I would like to offer a contribution from today’s Northern Daily Leader, which asked—as I am sure they have in many regional newspapers—whether security at our airports is up to scratch. Helen Green, from Tamworth, said:

No. Security needs to be tighter. We definitely need more security in country areas.

Andrea Fox, from Tamworth, said:

Yes, it is. If they (terrorists) want to get through, they will.

Jodie Thompson, from Quirindi, said:

Probably not generally speaking. It needs to be tighter.

Tania Kasch, from Kootingal, said:

No, I don’t think it is. If people can get on planes with nail files or knives, no.

Christina Tattam, from Tamworth, said:

In some ways, yes. There are areas that need to improve, though. I would like to see more security guards and more cameras.

Paul Kelly, from Narrabri, said:

No, I think there should be more security. You only have to look at what happened in London. Security at regional airports should be increased.

That is a bit of a snapshot of what real people are actually thinking about security. Obviously they recognise that there is a risk, because we are being told at government level and internationally that there is a risk. People who use regional airports would like to be treated as equal citizens to their city cousins, not as second-class citizens.

See this speech in context