ABUSIVE passengers who attack airline hostesses will face tough, new 10-year jail sentences.
The Federal laws, to start on March 30, were sparked after the industry raised concerns about staff being attacked by drunk and rowdy passengers.
Home Affairs Minister Brendan O'Connor said the laws were among a number of strengthened aviation penalties. "With these ... tougher penalties we're creating safer skies for the travelling public and those who work in the aviation industry," Mr O'Connor said.
"Any attacks and threats against our airlines, airports and aeroplanes put lives at risk, cause great distress to passengers and staff, and impose unnecessary burdens on our aviation industry."
He said there was already an offence in the Crimes (Aviation) Act for assaulting a crew member but it could only be applied if prosecutors could prove the assault impeded the operation of the aircraft.
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This element of proof would not be required under new legislation, he said.
While offenders could be charged with assault under other laws the new Federal aviation penalties are tougher.
"This offence has been particularly welcomed by the aviation sector during consultations with them," he said.
Last month, Irish singer Brian McFadden and radio shock jock Kyle Sandilands were involved in a mid-air incident on-board a V Australia flight from LA to Sydney.
After a complaint of cigarette smoke wafting through the aircraft, an alleged aggressive conversation ensued between the pair and flight attendants.
Australian Federal Police met the pair at Sydney Airport after a complaint of smoking, aggressive behaviour and not following the orders of staff".
No charges were laid. Under the new laws, Mr O'Connor said there would be a new offence of 14 years' jail for recklessly endangering an aircraft that was likely to cause death or serious harm.
"This offence builds on the existing offence contain in the act of endangering an aircraft ... however [it] deals with more serious actions and where the effect of the act in question is a likelihood of causing death or serious harm," he said. "Firing a weapon on board an aircraft would come within this offence even if no one was hit."
In November 2010, a father and son on board a Virgin Blue flight between Darwin and Brisbane were arrested for unruly behaviour. The men become "unruly" and "offensive" towards a flight attendant, who was unable to continue with the flight because of the incident.
An Australian Navy officer was charged with assault and disorderly conduct after lashing out at flight attendants on a Melbourne to London Qantas flight in May 2009.
And in January 2009, a man on a Virgin Blue flight from Hobart to Brisbane became so abusive towards flight attendants the pilot was forced to divert to Sydney.
The man was arrested and charged at the airport.
By
Monika Jain
The Federal laws, to start on March 30, were sparked after the industry raised concerns about staff being attacked by drunk and rowdy passengers.
Home Affairs Minister Brendan O'Connor said the laws were among a number of strengthened aviation penalties. "With these ... tougher penalties we're creating safer skies for the travelling public and those who work in the aviation industry," Mr O'Connor said.
"Any attacks and threats against our airlines, airports and aeroplanes put lives at risk, cause great distress to passengers and staff, and impose unnecessary burdens on our aviation industry."
He said there was already an offence in the Crimes (Aviation) Act for assaulting a crew member but it could only be applied if prosecutors could prove the assault impeded the operation of the aircraft.
Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar.
End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar.
This element of proof would not be required under new legislation, he said.
While offenders could be charged with assault under other laws the new Federal aviation penalties are tougher.
"This offence has been particularly welcomed by the aviation sector during consultations with them," he said.
Last month, Irish singer Brian McFadden and radio shock jock Kyle Sandilands were involved in a mid-air incident on-board a V Australia flight from LA to Sydney.
After a complaint of cigarette smoke wafting through the aircraft, an alleged aggressive conversation ensued between the pair and flight attendants.
Australian Federal Police met the pair at Sydney Airport after a complaint of smoking, aggressive behaviour and not following the orders of staff".
No charges were laid. Under the new laws, Mr O'Connor said there would be a new offence of 14 years' jail for recklessly endangering an aircraft that was likely to cause death or serious harm.
"This offence builds on the existing offence contain in the act of endangering an aircraft ... however [it] deals with more serious actions and where the effect of the act in question is a likelihood of causing death or serious harm," he said. "Firing a weapon on board an aircraft would come within this offence even if no one was hit."
In November 2010, a father and son on board a Virgin Blue flight between Darwin and Brisbane were arrested for unruly behaviour. The men become "unruly" and "offensive" towards a flight attendant, who was unable to continue with the flight because of the incident.
An Australian Navy officer was charged with assault and disorderly conduct after lashing out at flight attendants on a Melbourne to London Qantas flight in May 2009.
And in January 2009, a man on a Virgin Blue flight from Hobart to Brisbane became so abusive towards flight attendants the pilot was forced to divert to Sydney.
The man was arrested and charged at the airport.
By
Monika Jain
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