S&T Comms

Security and Dangerous Goods (SEC/DG) 

Airport Security Issues, Update: Security Screening industry WG (iWG) Progress on Trusted CrewPass Initiative – Update July 2025

The AusALPA iWG continues to advocate for a prioritised, consistent, and respectful screening experience for aircrew at domestic airports, aiming to implement a risk-based Trusted “CrewPass” program. 

Survey Results and Key Concerns

The AFAP/AusALPA May 2025 Survey, completed by over 20% of domestic pilots (with 8% female over-representation), revealed significant issues: 

77% report frequent screening problems on duty; 85% encounter inconsistencies; 16% face gender-based issues; >90% must remove uniform items; >65% deal with staff lacking aviation knowledge; 70% view screening as unnecessary “theatre”; 58% experience stress/wellbeing impacts; 25% note effects on safety-critical duties; 70% arrive at aircraft stressed; and 65% report operational delays.

These findings highlight inefficiencies, psychological harm, and potential breaches of Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) duties, as well as anti-discrimination laws, emphasising the need for reform to recognise aircrew's higher security status via ASICs and long-term vetting.

Recent Home Affairs Meeting

In June 2025, representatives met with Rebecca Carpenter (Chief of Staff to the Secretary) and Carrie-Anne Henderson (Director, Aviation and Maritime Security Policy) at Home Affairs to present concerns and our talking points. Rebecca, new to her role, requested the raw survey data for review and committed to examining it, while Carrie-Anne maintained resistance to changes, citing ICAO SARPs compliance; she shut down discussions on Australia's existing SARPs differences. This stance aligns with airline security managers' views but contrasts with our advocacy for flexibility. We invited a Home Affairs representative to the next iWG meeting.

ICAO Annex 17 Analysis

Our interpretation of ICAO Annex 17 SARPs confirms latitude for differentiated aircrew screening: Section 4.2.5 requires screening of persons other than passengers but does not mandate identical processes to passengers, allowing risk-based adaptations. Provisions re Crew Member Certificates and background checks support expedited treatment for vetted crew, aligning with global programs like U.S. CrewPass and Canadian RAIC without breaching standards. This flexibility counters claims of SARPs conflicts and enables focus on higher risks.

Briefing and Advocacy Materials

A two-page briefing document for senior officials has been prepared, to illustrate Australia's shortcomings and the case for reform. It emphasises cost savings, efficiency gains, and compliance with duty of care, with resources needed for implementation including government-industry collaboration on vetting, technology, and administration.