Calls for the release of Kessing reports

Senator Nick Xenophon has called for the release of suppressed reports on Sydney Airport security. Source: AAP

A WHISTLEBLOWER convicted of leaking reports about customs operations at Sydney airport is questioning why it has taken years to act on security flaws.

Allan Kessing, who in 2007 was convicted of leaking reports about security at Sydney Airport to the Australian newspaper, told reporters on Friday that it was widely known the airport had problems with security.

"It is not possible, it is simply not credible to say that nobody knew there was this extent of corruption," he said.

"Anybody who has the slightest experience of this area knew there were problems.

"The fact that they haven't been acted on until now begs the question, why?"

Mr Kessing - a former Australian Customs officer - wrote two damning reports on Sydney airport security in 2003.

He was convicted four years later of having leaked the reports to media. He had faced a maximum two years jail but was instead handed a nine-month suspended sentence.

Speaking alongside Mr Kessing, Independent senator Nick Xenophon urged the federal government to release Mr Kessing's suppressed reports.

"The two reports prepared by Mr Kessing 10 years ago, nine years ago, need to be released as a matter of urgency," Senator Xenophon said.

"It's important that Justice James Woods is given access to those reports."

Mr Kessing said the reports advocated a range of measures to boost security, including stricter background checks for airport staff and more scrutiny of customs officers by their superiors.

It emerged on Thursday that two customs officers and five members of the public have been charged following a joint investigation by law enforcement agencies into corruption and drug smuggling at Sydney airport.

The investigation on Thursday prompted the establishment of a reform board, headed by Justice James Wood, to ensure customs is clean.

Opposition customs and border protection spokesman Michael Keenan said any suggestions that Mr Kessing should be pardoned was a "separate issue".

"We do have a standing body that exists to look into these things and I think it's appropriate that it is referred through to them," he told ABC television.

Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang

Calls for the release of Kessing reports

Dengan url

http://cucidollaran.blogspot.com/2012/12/calls-for-release-of-kessing-reports.html

Cuci Dollar