Nigel Scullion (NT, Country Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

I think the Senate should note that another significant opportunity on the public record has been provided to the Rudd government to ensure that everybody who flies in Australia knows that we are not undermining the value of our air security program. This is a very significant opportunity. I acknowledge that the minister opposite may not have the details at his fingertips but I raise this in view of the fact that questions have been asked about this issue at Senate estimates and the answers have been completely unsatisfactory.

We have had concerns being raised by people involved in that aspect of the industry, and media reports that they are going to be cut by one third have concerned the public. I think it is absolutely essential that the minister use this opportunity to provide the Australian public with an assurance that what is widely known in the Australian vernacular as the air marshal program, which is a fundamental part of our border security, is not being wound down, that the people who are currently employed under that program will remain, and that the Rudd government is committed to this program.