Just one point that has been overlooked is that when travelling to the USA from Brisbane, a final security check is made just prior to boarding where one is subjected to a substantial check where ball point pens are taken from passengers, refills removed and the pen returned. The refill is thrown in a box. However, some of these more expensive pens have a sleeve attached which also ends up in the airport box rendering the expensive pen useless forever after.
Take note that at no time are passengers advised of this extra intrusion into their lives and pending destruction of their property.
I won't elaborate here about the security personnel doing these checks as it is probable enough has been said on the matter.
Also, it would appear that the reason for checks has been lost when one observes the checks aircrew must go through. Is it not a fact that aircrew are meant to take control of the aircraft?