Chair, Committee Members, thank you for the opportunity to provide an opening statement today.
I would like to begin by acknowledging Commissioner Michael Outram APM, whose last day with the Australian Border Force (ABF) was 29 October. We thank him for his service and welcome Gavan Reynolds AO, who will commence as Commissioner of the ABF on 10 November.
The ABF’s mission is to protect and manage Australia’s border, ensuring the security, safety, and prosperity of all Australians. Our responsibilities are vast, encompassing everything from civil maritime security, facilitating trade and people, while disrupting illicit activity and managing immigration detention centres.
A key area of focus remains combatting illicit tobacco and vaping products. The ABF has seen a marked increase of illicit cigarettes arriving into the country, with over 12% more seized compared to this time last year. Since the ban on disposable vapes, we’ve seized over 5.4 million vapes and vaping products and stopped 10s of millions offshore from entering Australia.
This is an important step in protecting public health, particularly our youth, and ensuring compliance with Australia’s import regulations. Intensified operations against illicit tobacco, with state and federal support, have further bolstered our capacity to disrupt the trade of harmful goods.
Senators, ABF’s commitment to supporting Commonwealth revenue collection totalled $15.39 billion dollars in the 2023-2024 financial year.
We work hard to promote revenue compliance through our voluntary disclosure program, run by a small team of officers within the ABF. This initiative allows businesses and individuals to rectify errors in customs declarations without incurring penalties, fostering a culture of transparency and adherence to border laws. It is an essential element of our strategy to maintain the integrity and efficiency of Australia’s border management system. Over the past year, the ABF has uplifted revenue collection through the voluntary disclosure program to the tune of over $255 million dollars.
Committee members, I would like to highlight a recent successful operation where the ABF provided vital support to our law enforcement partners, in their successful effort to dismantle a significant child exploitation network after ABF officers identified a high risk passenger entering Australia through one of our International airports.
This complex investigation, which involved police in Australia and overseas, led to the arrest and prosecution of an individual involved in abhorrent crimes. Importantly, it resulted in the identification of 111 victims of sexual exploitation, to date 27 children have been rescued, as well as the extradition of the syndicate ring leader from Dubai to Manila where he has been charged. Further, 19 offenders across 10 countries have been identified.
This operation is a powerful example of the ABF’s commitment, and that of our partners in Australia and overseas, to ensuring that those who seek to harm children face the full force of the law.
In terms of civil maritime security, the ABF continues its vital work in protecting Australia’s sovereign waters. For this financial year up to the end of September, 55 legislative forfeitures has occurred and 10 illegal foreign fishing vessels have been disposed. Our ongoing presence across key Australian waters, including the Kimberley Marine Park and Northern Australia, demonstrates our commitment to protecting Australia’s ecological and economic significance against illegal fishing and unauthorised activities.
I am grateful for the continued support of our law enforcement partners, and the dedicated officers of the ABF. Thank you, Chair and Committee Members, for your time today. I welcome any questions.
