The Australian Border Force (ABF) and Department of Home Affairs have installed a new high-tech 3D scanning machine at Melbourne airport to bolster their ability to detect prohibited items – including explosives – arriving through the international mail system.
The machine, known as a 3D Computed Tomography (CT) scanner, is being trialled until March 2020 as part of a security initiative to strengthen security at airports as well as mail and air cargo facilities following a failed terrorist plot in 2017.
Assistant Secretary of Operational Capability at the Department of Home Affairs, Belinda Duffy said the scanner was a vital piece of equipment for the ABF.
“The CT scanner is designed to assist in the automatic detection of security threats and is also internationally certified as an Explosive Detection System,” Ms Duffy said.
“The main purpose of the trial is to enhance our existing ability to detect threats, including potential explosives, in the screening of inbound international mail items. If successful, the trial will lead to a sector that is even more secure.”
“Our intention is to consider rolling out additional scanners across other facilities next year once the trial is complete.”
Ms Duffy said the use of 3D CT scanners at airports was increasing worldwide with the unit being trialled at Melbourne the first of its kind for the ABF.
“Technology upgrades aim to effectively address the increasing sophistication of explosives and other threats being detected within mail and cargo screening,” Ms Duffy said.
The Department of Agriculture is also trialling a similar model of CT scanner to screen for biosecurity threats at borders.
