Reports now show that Australia is set to beef up its airport security with a $200 million boost. This big mountain of cash is going to be used over the course of four years.

This new $200 million plan, which was revealed by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in Canberra earlier this week, was in direct response to a review that Mr. Rudd ordered last month. Kevin Rudd had ordered this review after receiving reports about the foiled terrorist attack on board a plane for the United States during the holiday season.

Under this new plan, full body scanners will be installed at major international airports by early this year. Passengers and baggage screening will be enhanced with multi-view x-ray machines and bottle scanners capable of detecting liquid explosives.

These funds will also go towards improving customer/passenger handling technology and installing cargo x-ray screening and explosive trace detection technology in select locations. There will be more Australia Federal Police with sniffer dogs trained to detect firearms and explosives as well.

Of course, travelers will now have to face tighter security in airports, which could lead to longer delays. However, the government believes that this inconvenience is a small price to pay for increased security. After all, waiting in line a bit longer should not bother people if it’s to protect their safety. This is not just to protect other countries, but to protect the people on the planes. Having relaxed security could get passengers through lines quicker, but what good does that do if the plane blows up in route?