Adaptability The Department assesses that Option 3 is likely to be the most easily adapted to changes in the threat environment. Like Option 2, the target percentage for screening could be increased relatively quickly and easily, however unlike Option 2, this option has the ability to use in-zone screening to help airports reduce congestion at SRA access points. In the case of a future reduction in the terrorism threat level in Australia, there is potential under Option 3 to reduce the regulatory impact of these requirements by scaling down the target screening percentage to reflect the level of security risk. Option 3 is also to adapt to improvements and innovation in screening technology. Unpredictability Of the options presented, Option 3 has the greatest degree of in-built unpredictability. The two complementary layers of screening (on-entry and in-zone) would increase the number of times a person (and their vehicle and goods) could potentially be selected for screening. For example, under Option 2, someone could only be selected for screening when entering the SRA. However, under Option 3, for each person working in the SRA, there would be a chance not only that they will be selected for screening on entry to the SRA, but also of them being selected for screening while they are working inside the SRA, potentially using different methods. This provides a greater deterrent against insider attacks, by making it very difficult to anticipate and circumvent security screening. Costs The total additional cost of Option 3 will be $ 96,984,736 over a 10-year period. The types of costs incurred under this option will be similar to those for Option 2, however, the option for in-zone screening provides allows airports to reduce capital costs of screening infrastructure required at each access point under Option 2. The qualitative costs and benefits of this option (as noted in feedback from stakeholders) are summarised in the table on the next page. Qualitative costs and benefits for Option 3 DESCRIPTION AFFECTED IMPACTS PARTY A combination of Business Airports, some airlines and other regulated industry participants – screening upon entry to an SRA Costs Capital outlay for the purchase of screening equipment although coupled with lower costs than under Option 2. screening
Adaptability The Department assesses that Option 3 is likely to be the most easily adapted to changes in the threat environment. Like Option 2, the target percentage for screening could be increased relatively quickly and easily, however unlike Option 2, this option has the ability to use in-zone screening to help airports reduce congestion at SRA access points. In the case of a future reduction in the terrorism threat level in Australia, there is potential under Option 3 to reduce the regulatory impact of these requirements by scaling down the target screening percentage to reflect the level of security risk. Option 3 is also to adapt to improvements and innovation in screening technology. Unpredictability Of the options presented, Option 3 has the greatest degree of in-built unpredictability. The two complementary layers of screening (on-entry and in-zone) would increase the number of times a person (and their vehicle and goods) could potentially be selected for screening. For example, under Option 2, someone could only be selected for screening when entering the SRA. However, under Option 3, for each person working in the SRA, there would be a chance not only that they will be selected for screening on entry to the SRA, but also of them being selected for screening while they are working inside the SRA, potentially using different methods. This provides a greater deterrent against insider attacks, by making it very difficult to anticipate and circumvent security screening. Costs The total additional cost of Option 3 will be $ 96,984,736 over a 10-year period. The types of costs incurred under this option will be similar to those for Option 2, however, the option for in-zone screening provides allows airports to reduce capital costs of screening infrastructure required at each access point under Option 2. The qualitative costs and benefits of this option (as noted in feedback from stakeholders) are summarised in the table on the next page. Qualitative costs and benefits for Option 3 DESCRIPTION AFFECTED PARTY IMPACTS A combination of screening upon entry to an SRA coupled with screening Business – Airports, some airlines and other regulated industry participants Costs Capital outlay for the purchase of screening equipment although lower costs than under Option 2.