Australia will NOT be getting radiation “backscatter” airport scanners.

Christina Macpherson, 6 June 12, Contrary to a report in the Sun Herald today (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/ipad/full-body-scanners-to-rollout-at-australian-airport/story-fn6bfm6w-1226381431157) the radiation hazards of “backscatter” scanning will not be hitting Australians at our airports.

Australia will be getting the safer type , see https://antinuclear.net/2012/02/05/australias-compulsory-airport-scanning-will-be-of-the-safer-type-not-ionising-radiation/#more-14153

Report on Aviation Transport Security Amendment (Screening) Bill 2012

The report of the Committee into this Bill was issued last week, and recommended against back scatters for people. While it may be possible some time in the future to use them for some special case, this is most unlikely. Australia does not have the radiation type of scanner, and it is highly expensive. The report can be read at . http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate_Committees?url=rrat_ctte/aviation_screening_2012/index.htm

Additional Comments from Senator Scott Ludlam, Australian Greens

1.1 The Australian Greens referred this bill to an inquiry because of the privacy and health concerns elaborated in several submissions.

1.2 While these issues have been examined in the Committee’s report and the government amendment prohibiting the storage and transmittal of images is welcome, the health problems experienced overseas with back-scatter scanners that use ionising radiation are serious enough to warrant more attention. These issues provide compelling reasons to reject outright the use of ionising backscatter x-ray equipment, rather than limit it to ‘certain clearly defined exceptional circumstances,’ (Recommendation 2), especially as other technology is available.

1.3 The EU has banned the use of backscatter body scanners because of the possible health risks to passengers and staff. They continue to be used in the USA where passengers have the right to request a frisk search as an alternative. Documents before a USA Federal Court indicate that the health implications of the use of this type of technology have been grossly understated by authorities. The presence of a cancer cluster at Logan Airport in Boston has been documented.

1.4 The Australian Greens support the Committee’s recommendation that frisk searches should continue to be an alternative to body scanners (Recommendation 1) and that the government should ensure that screening technology is thoroughly tested for compliance with health regulations (Recommendation 3).

1.5 The Australian Greens note that conducting inquiries ‘on the papers’ might appear to save time, however, clarifying the intention of proposed legislation with experts and Departments at public hearings saves numerous questions on notice and informal information seeking that were necessary in this case.

June 6, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, technology

2 Comments »

Australia already have backscatter scanners and the legislation passed last week allows the Australia government to utalise ANYTHING they want to use for screening. Open your eyes and read the legislation (as oppose to the BS spun by the Government).

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Comment by Andrew | August 19, 2012 | Reply
We will not be returning to Australia due to the introduction of the bodyscanners. Anyone with replacement joints are forced to undertake a full body scan. After 19 years visting Australia twice / yearly we cannot now call it our second home. 😦 😦

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Comment by froxface | November 29, 2013 | Reply

1.This month.

The Road to War brings a sharp focus to why it is not in Australia’s best interest to be dragged into a war with China which will almost inevitably go nuclear very quickly. The filmmaker has interviewed some of Australia’s senior foreign policy analysts who have vast experience behind them in analysing what really is going on here as the United States rattles its sabres with China. And sets us up to be its proxy, like the poor Ukranians have been fed into the Meatgrinder. So America can remain the Top Dog. The Road to War reveals how the United States through its spy base at Pine Gap and by stationing six nuclear capable B52 bombers in the Top End (without permission from the traditional owners) is making Australia a prime nuclear target if the current war of words suddenly melts down into full scale war.

The Road to War shows the implicit connection between Carbon emissions (the US military uses a whopping 70% of America’s annual petroleum to move its armies and vast War Machine around the globe to its 800+ military bases..but under a loophole wangled at Kyoto, the US military does not have to report its C02 annual emissions). The Road to War starts screening at selected cities and regional centres in March. See the trailer end for details.

Antinuclear

Australian news, and some related international items