This is the link to this story;
http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2012/02/australi...ory-body-scans/ QUOTE
In a $28 million security upgrade, new “no scan, no fly” laws are expected to be proposed this week for Aussie international airports — removing the option to request a pat down instead. After trials last year, full body scanners (from the same company used in US checkpoints) will roll out in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Gold Coast and Cairns. Here’s what they look like.
Images via Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese
In Sydney and Melbourne, the government trialled competing scanner technology specifically designed not to identify gender or reveal body details. Gizmodo covered these: ThruVision (passive terahertz radiation detection) and L3 Communications (millimetre wave radio waves). Ultimately, the latter got the nod, and has been approved by Australia’s Privacy Commissioner. Images will be deleted after each traveller is cleared.
ADVANCED SCREENING TECHNOLOGY FOR MAJOR AIRPORTS
Body scanners will be introduced at all of Australia’s international airports providing the travelling public with the most advanced passenger screening technology available in the world.
The Gillard Labor Government will introduce legislation this week following a successful trial of the technology in Sydney and Melbourne, with the new technology to be rolled out across airports from July this year.
The machines only produce a generic outline (attached) to display the location of metal and non-metal items under clothing. To protect people’s privacy, the image will appear as a stick figure so all men will have the same outline and all women will have the same outline with no defining features.
As an additional measure, the images will not be able to be copied and will not be stored.
The ‘millimetre-wave’ body scanners are perfectly safe and one body scan is comparable to passive exposure to a mobile phone used several metres away.
Once introduced, passengers departing Australia may be required to pass through a body scanner as part of standard screening processes.
While the legislation allows exemptions for serious medical conditions, any passenger directed by an officer must undergo screening and refusal to screen will mean refusal to fly. The Gillard Government announced a package of measures in 2010 to strengthen aviation security as a result of global events.
The $28 million package provides for new screening measures, including body scanners, at Australia’s eight international gateway airports.
Health, privacy and safety were assessed following the trial including extensive consultation with industry and privacy groups.
Australia has a safe aviation record with over 13 million people flying out of our international airports each year.
This will provide an additional layer of security at our airports and is part of the Government’s $200 million Strengthening Aviation Security Initiative.
I will be subject to a body scan when we fly to the UK this year. Not sure if it is the way to go. I am not happy with the fact that I will be subject to unnecessary exposure, but I fully understand why it is implemented. I do see the plus points in that any drugs concealed will also show up. Not too sure though how the pilots and cabin crew will deal with going through these scans every day?
Body Scans To Be Compulsary In Australia This Year.!
Feb 6 2012, 08:56 PM
That was such a funny photo Galaxy.. I had a right laugh and I am sure it brought a smile to a lot of other members too...Thanks.. 
