The PM
11th May 2007, 03:45
Good afternoon all!
The article below appears in my local paper today.
http://www.dubbo.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?class=news&subclass=general&story_id=584017&category=general
This journo seems the think that being in the media gives you automatic entry to anywhere you feel at any time. :rolleyes:
Here is my letter to the editor in response:
"Good afternoon,
I write in reference to your story concerning media access to airport tarmacs.
Based on your reporters account, it would seem that your photographer was indeed in the wrong.To gain airside access to an airport tarmac, you must either hold an ASIC (Aviation Security Identification Card) pass, which means you have been background checked by various federal government departments), or have the permission of the airport operator and be accompanied at all times by a person who does hold an ASIC pass.In both cases, you must also have a valid operational reason to be there.
In one instance described, the photographer was fine, as he/she obviously had permission of the operator (Dubbo City Council) and was properly accompanied by DCC staff.In the second instance, he/she obviously did not have permission of the operator,or a valid operational reason and therefore should not have been there.By the sounds of it, I doubt the photographer was properly accompanied either.What did the discussion with the airline pilot involve?Was it about if the photographer should have been where he/she was?
Also,I am concerned that Cr. Ben Sheilds who is apparantly the Airport Committee chairman, displays a complete lack of knowledge of the Federal laws that apply in this instance.It is not a case of council staff, or the mayor for that matter, making things up as they go along, it is a case of making sure that the published laws which Council operates under,are followed.Perhaps Cr. Sheilds should sit down and read the relevant legislation, or stand down as chair of this committee.
Based on this story, the "Daily Liberal", your photographer, and the airline employee who gave "permission", could reasonably expect a "please explain" from DoTARS and the Federal Police in the not too distant future.ASICS can be obtained if there is a valid need for one, in fact Dubbo City Council can issue them.If you cannot obtain one (which I suspect would be the case), then please observe the signs that state "No Unauthorised Entry".They are there for a reason."
Have I missed anything?
The article below appears in my local paper today.
http://www.dubbo.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?class=news&subclass=general&story_id=584017&category=general
This journo seems the think that being in the media gives you automatic entry to anywhere you feel at any time. :rolleyes:
Here is my letter to the editor in response:
"Good afternoon,
I write in reference to your story concerning media access to airport tarmacs.
Based on your reporters account, it would seem that your photographer was indeed in the wrong.To gain airside access to an airport tarmac, you must either hold an ASIC (Aviation Security Identification Card) pass, which means you have been background checked by various federal government departments), or have the permission of the airport operator and be accompanied at all times by a person who does hold an ASIC pass.In both cases, you must also have a valid operational reason to be there.
In one instance described, the photographer was fine, as he/she obviously had permission of the operator (Dubbo City Council) and was properly accompanied by DCC staff.In the second instance, he/she obviously did not have permission of the operator,or a valid operational reason and therefore should not have been there.By the sounds of it, I doubt the photographer was properly accompanied either.What did the discussion with the airline pilot involve?Was it about if the photographer should have been where he/she was?
Also,I am concerned that Cr. Ben Sheilds who is apparantly the Airport Committee chairman, displays a complete lack of knowledge of the Federal laws that apply in this instance.It is not a case of council staff, or the mayor for that matter, making things up as they go along, it is a case of making sure that the published laws which Council operates under,are followed.Perhaps Cr. Sheilds should sit down and read the relevant legislation, or stand down as chair of this committee.
Based on this story, the "Daily Liberal", your photographer, and the airline employee who gave "permission", could reasonably expect a "please explain" from DoTARS and the Federal Police in the not too distant future.ASICS can be obtained if there is a valid need for one, in fact Dubbo City Council can issue them.If you cannot obtain one (which I suspect would be the case), then please observe the signs that state "No Unauthorised Entry".They are there for a reason."
Have I missed anything?