THE push for full body scanners at Australian airports gained momentum yesterday during a visit by the deputy head of the US Department of Homeland Security, Jane Holl Lute.

She discussed the scanners with the federal Transport Minister, Anthony Albanese, during a one-hour briefing at Sydney Airport.

US deputy secretary of Homeland Security Jane Holl Lute in talks with Anthony Albanese (far right) in Sydney yesterday. Credit:Dean Sewell

The meeting was part of a two-week, 10-country trip by Ms Lute to discuss stronger security measures after the attempted bombing of a US airline bound for Detroit on Christmas Day.

Ms Lute and Mr Albanese spent an hour discussing a combined response, including the prospect of using full body scanners at Australian airports.