"Have not had a ASIC in years, certainly been airside in that time...."
You make the argument FOR tighter security in your post!
But I am guessing that the arguments are simply about who is going to pay rather than the fact of increased security, thus doubt it is about decimating the travel plans of those in the bush. Pretty sure Barnaby would be on his high horse if that was the case.
Security issues, love it or hate 'em, they, and the multi-billion Security industry is here for the long term.