Qantas Intelligence report

[codash1099]

I can think of many comments but will (wisely) refrain.

Qantas infiltrated by organised criminals, says intelligence report

A classified federal law enforcement intelligence operation code-named Project Brunello has determined that a ‘significant’ number of Qantas staff are linked to criminality.

www.smh.com.au

 

[henrus]

Amazingly this makes the front page of the SMH today.

For those who can't access the link above the project, Bunrello has identified individuals and roles across the country. Most of the roles mentioned in the article are contractor ground handling roles (especially baggage handling) with the ability to sneak banned items from entering Australia. QF group head of security responded by saying "given we follow all of the government’s vetting procedures, we find these claims disturbing".

I'm confused, given baggage handling everywhere is done by a contractor then you'd think it'd be that their job to vet their employees a bit better? I'd also put most of the blame on the government, they should be vetting most of these people when they issue ASIC cards (so wouldn't "criminals" be vetted out in that process). I'm also surprised that "high risk" flights aren't be supervised, I'm sure many have seen those border security type shows and on the USA version they had customs officials supervise the unloading and escort all baggage/cargo for screening which as explained by the TV program was just in case of any rouge airline staff.

 

[Vic]

This is all rather obvious. They check for criminal convictions! That is how they determine if someone is a criminal. Being linked to a criminal organisation does not mean you'll have a criminal conviction.

Plenty of gangs will have "clean" members. At least if you believe Hollywood.
Police checks are fairly meaningless - "the person going by the name of XYZ has no criminal convictions". Need to get into positive vetting to get any better information.

Overall, the story is pretty obvious really. You'd have to wonder why they aren't using the fit and proper person test to restrict a "known" bikie gang member. In anti-bikie gang legislation from a few years back might be related as well.

As for the timing, I suspect government back grounding to get the legislation through...

they should be vetting most of these people when they issue ASIC cards (so wouldn't "criminals" be vetted out in that process).

Not if they don't have a criminal conviction.

 

[Seat0B]

they should be vetting most of these people when they issue ASIC cards (so wouldn't "criminals" be vetted out in that process).

Funnily enough, I was just talking to Mr Seat 0A about this on the weekend. He has an ASIC card, I once had a security clearance - and I am telling you I know for sure which one was harder to get and involved much more intrusive (read thorough) investigation of a person's character, associates, financial history, ideology and other personal details - and it sure as eggs was not the ASIC card. They are relatively like finding a toy in the cornflakes packet!