With the 'front line' of airport security controlled by private contractors, with at least one company foreign owned then it all remains theatre.
Airport security is overseen and therefore controlled by the Dept of Home Affairs. Those at the coalface do not make up their own procedures to suit their foreign masters.
At a regional airport some time back, another bone headed FIFO worker made a similar comment which was heard by screening staff. Matter was referred to the airline ground staff who reported it to the Captain. His immediate response "Offload him".