Federal customs, security and safety boost for Melbourne Airport
A new facility for the Australian Federal Police will allow agents greater access and abilities at the Melbourne Airport.
Minister for Justice Michael Kennan and AFP Commissioner Tony Negus unveiled the newly-completed AFP Aviation Operations Centre at a ceremony in its honour.
The new facilities include an Emergency Operations Centre, Airport Police Operations Centre, muster rooms and training facilities, exhibit handling facilities and interview rooms.
It is designed to allow the AFP to complete their full range of airport-related duties, including security assessments, intelligence gathering, customs and border control.
AFP Commissioner Tony Negus said that the fast-paced environment of policing at an airport will be easier to address, with all the accommodations of the new building
“It is vital to the safety and security of the travelling public that the AFP maintains a highly visible presence to deter and identify potential criminal activity in our airports,” Commissioner Negus said.
“This new facility will enhance the AFP's ability to undertake its current aviation policing role in Melbourne.”
The AFP is extending its grip on illicit activities at many airports - building new facilities at Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Gold Coast, Melbourne and Sydney airports, with design or construction currently underway at Cairns, Gold Coast, Hobart and Perth