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​​I am pleased to announce that Royal Australian Navy Rear Admiral Mark Hill CSC, RAN has been appointed as the Commander Joint Agency Task Force Operation Sovereign Borders. 

Rear Admiral Hill brings over 40 years of distinguished service in the Royal Australian Navy, most recently contributing to the ADF’s response to COVID-19 in Victoria. 

Since the inception of Operation Sovereign Borders in September 2013, the Coalition Government has ensured zero deaths at sea and has protected Australia’s borders from the threat of maritime people smuggling. Operation Sovereign Borders remains a key priority for the Government and I am certain Rear Admiral Hill’s significant experience in commanding ADF operations will ensure Operation Sovereign Borders’ continued success. 

To strengthen Australia’s strong position on border management I have also appointed Rear Admiral Hill as the Commander Maritime Border Command (MBC). This will ensure Operation Sovereign Borders has access to a wider range of resources and expertise ensuring greater engagement with our international partners. He replaces Rear Admiral Lee Goddard CSC, RAN who has served as Commander MBC since December 2018 and as the interim Commander for Operation Sovereign Borders, which continues to operate as a separate military-led multi-agency task force. 

With the completion of his command responsibilities, Rear Admiral Goddard concludes 34 years of distinguished service in the permanent Australian Defence Force and will transfer to the Navy Reserve. I sincerely thank Rear Admiral Goddard for his service to our nation and wish him well for future endeavours.