Security Stunt Pulled by Australian Politician in Parliament -- Security Today

Security Stunt Pulled by Australian Politician in Parliament

By Ginger Hill
May 27, 2014

While much of the United States was celebrating Memorial Day with their family and friends on Monday, May 26^th, Australian Senator Bill Heffernan, a 71-year-old wheat farmer, felt it his duty to smuggle explosives into parliament to prove that the $1 billion building is facing a rising security risk.

Heffernan nonchalantly reached into his bag and pulled out a pipe bomb while articulating that he “brought this through security” as onlookers gasped under their breaths.

This demonstration was brought on by the fact that hundreds of MPs, senators, and political and departmental staff are no longer required to be scanned by metal detectors or have their bags checked. All of this in an effort to save money, speed up entry and allow internal security staff to be in other areas of the building. But, at what risk?

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

The Evolution of ID Card Printing: Customer Challenges and Solutions

The landscape of ID card printing is evolving to meet changing customer needs, transitioning from slow, manual processes to smart, on-demand printing solutions that address increasingly complex enrollment workflows. Read Now
- Access Control
TSA Awards Rohde & Schwarz Contract for Advanced Airport Screening Ahead of Soccer World Cup 2026

Rohde & Schwarz, a provider of AI-based millimeter wave screening technology, announced today it has won a multi-million dollar award from TSA to supply its QPS201 AIT security scanners to passenger security screening checkpoints at selected Soccer World Cup 2026 host city airports. Read Now
- Airport Security
Brivo, Eagle Eye Networks Merge

Dean Drako, Chairman of Brivo, the leading global provider of cloud-native access control and smart space technologies, and Founder of Eagle Eye Networks, the global leader in cloud AI video surveillance, today announced the two companies will merge, creating the world’s largest AI cloud-native physical security company. The merged company will operate under the Brivo name and deliver a truly unified cloud-native security platform. Read Now
- Artificial Intelligence
Security Industry Association Announces the 2026 Security Megatrends

The Security Industry Association (SIA) has identified and forecasted the 2026 Security Megatrends, which form the basis of SIA’s signature annual Security Megatrends report defining the top 10 factors influencing both near- and long-term change in the global security industry. Read Now
- Artificial Intelligence
The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now
- Access Control

Security Today eNews

Sign up today for essential industry news and product information that can help you stay afloat in the fast-paced world of security.

Email Address*Country*

Please type the letters/numbers you see above.

Webinars

Whitepapers

New Products

Mobile Safe Shield

SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.
Compact IP Video Intercom

Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.
EasyGate SPT SPD

Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.