| Keeping
our public transport system safe
The July 2005 terrorist
attacks in London showed that public transport
can be a terrorist target. All Australian states and territories
have agreed on priorities for strengthening surface transport
security. These include making the travelling public more
aware of risks and avenues for reporting suspicious items
or behaviour.
A public transport
security package, initially focussing on south-east Queensland,
to keep public transport safe. The package consists of:
- a public awareness campaign
- security programs for public transport operators
and workers
- independent risk reviews of public transport
- consulting with peak bodies and unions to raise
awareness.
The public awareness campaign started in south-east Queensland
in September 2005. The campaign asked the travelling public
to report suspicious items, or behaviour, to transport staff
or by calling the national security hotline on 1800 123
400f. The advertising campaign appears widely on buses,
trains, ferries, bus stops, bus interchanges, train stations
and ferry terminals, as well as in the Courier Mail and
on television.
What is suspicious behaviour?
It depends on the circumstances, but it is a combination
of where people are, when they are there, and what they
are doing. Common sense will tell you. If something seems
wrong, make the call. As the advertisements say, if something
doesn't look or feel right, report it.
What happens when I call
the hotline?
The call centre operator will help you to provide as much
information as you can—detailed descriptions of people,
places, vehicles and anything else that has made you think
what you have seen is suspicious. You can remain anonymous,
but if you at least give your phone number investigators
can contact you for further information if necessary. Your
information is passed to the Queensland Police and is kept
strictly confidential.
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