[Greg McDonald]

A DECISION by Jetstar to outsource baggage handlers and check-in staff at three Australian airports will compromise security, a union claims.
The Transport Workers' Union (TWU) says any compromise of security is particularly concerning in light of the bashing death of a man at Sydney airport on Sunday in an alleged bikie gang brawl.

Jetstar announced this week new private contracts for ground staff in Launceston, Hobart and Sydney International – costing 18 jobs in Tasmania.

The positions were previously held by a combination of staff employed by Jetstar and the company's parent company Qantas.

TWU national secretary Tony Sheldon said 25 per cent of outsourced airport employees did not have ASIO (Australian Security Intelligence Organisation) clearance, putting staff and passengers at risk.

”Quite clearly we've got a situation now where we've got companies like Qantas - they're going to add to security weaknesses at our airports just at a time when the flaws of the airport have been demonstrated only three days ago.”

Jetstar rejects the claim.

Spokesman Simon Westaway said anyone working back of house at an airport was required to have the highest ASIO clearance regardless of whether they were casual or a contractor employee.

”Any organisation that's operating air-side has to have people that are appropriately checked,” he said.

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