Thermite or not,highly explosive or not.
These facts are irrelevant.
What is great is that nobody was injured but alot of important of facts have come to light here.
a. Its clear that this whole debacle showed massive deficiencies in
VB's lack of training of ground staff in both recognition of suspicious articles and their handling.
b. There was clearly lack of co-ordination between
VB staff, airport authorities and the AFP/NSW State Police bomb squad.
c. Certain ground staff (contractors) didnt have ASIC cards but were wearing visitor passes until their credentials could be ascertained.
Perhaps what is needed here is for
VB to have its own dedicated security division that would be responsible for not only the ongoing training to all staff,but would be proactive in handling things such as bomb threats,their relevant assessment thereof and co-ordination of procedures when it comes to these incidents.
On a more daily basis they would handle security passes for staff and access to sensitive security areas by contractors etc.
All required now is for the shareholders and management of Virgin Blue to put their hands in their pockets.