Criminal Code Act 1899

If it appears to the person in command of an aircraft that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that any offence involving the safety of the aircraft has been, is being, is about to be, or may be, committed on board or in relation to the aircraft it shall be lawful for the person and for any person acting by the person’s authority with such assistance as the person or such person may think necessary to search or cause to be searched—

the aircraft and any person luggage and freight on board the aircraft; and

any person who is about to board the aircraft and any luggage or freight that is about to be placed on board the aircraft;

anything whether animate or inanimate and whether living or dead as to which there are reasonable grounds for believing that it will of itself or by or on scientific examination, afford evidence as to the commission of any offence; or

anything as to which there are reasonable grounds for believing that it is intended to be used for the purpose of committing any offence;

A female shall not be searched under this section except by a female. sch 1 pt 8 ch 69 s 679A ins 1964 No. 14 s 21