Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee [Part 2], , 1:01:49 to 1:06:00
The ABF Commissioner provides an update on border operations, including drug seizures, digital passenger cards, and passenger growth.
Topics: National security, Public safety
Speakers: Gavan Reynolds, Speaker 1, Hon Murray Watt, Unknown Speaker, Hon Jonathon Duniam, Stephanie Foster
>> Thank you. [cough] >> I wanted to go if I can. Oh,
>> Senator, would you I think the commissioner may wish to give an opening statement if that's okay. >> When he joins us. >> I'm sure he will be succinct. I just thought it was best to do that before you begin.
>> Probably a good idea. [laughter]
>> It's good to have him in the room. >> Sorry. Good to have him in the room before the question.
>> Well, then we catch him off guard, you
>> sorry commissioner, we moved on too >> The minister did a good ground at holding the fort.
>> Yeah.
>> For you.
>> We just held things up because we thought you might have an opening statement. >> You do?
>> Excellent. We will I'll now invite you to make your opening statement. Uh thank
you chair and thank you senators. I really appreciate the opportunity for a brief opening statement. So Australia's border environment is evolving rapidly as travel and trade grow. Organized crime becomes more sophisticated and emerging threats require new approaches. The ABF is responding with modern capabilities, stronger partnerships and more secure, efficient and connected border. Last financial year, the ABF enabled the safe passage of 49 million passengers, a 5% increase from the Working with government and industry, we are delivering a more secure, streamlined, and technology enabled border. By the end of 2027, paper incoming passenger cards will become part of Australia's border history, >> replaced by a digital process. Of the 4,85 detainees who entered the immigration detention network last financial year, 88.4% 4% had a criminal history, demonstrating a larger and increasingly complex immigration detention cohort. The ABF disrupted elicit tobacco and vape supply chains at unprecedented scale across the border continuum. In addition to the 2.2 2 billion elicit cigarette sticks, 590 tons of loose leaf tobacco, and 13 million vape devices, as highlighted by the secretary this morning. We also seized 7.2 million nicotine pouches, exposing the scale and determination of organized criminal syndicates seeking significant profits from Australia's tobacco market. The illicit drug threat is also changing. ABF officers detected 7 tons of methamphetamine, almost 7 tons of cocaine, 380 kg of heroin, and 2.5 tons of ketamine at the border. Cocaine detections increased by 76% and ketamine by 193% compared to the previous financial year, demonstrating that organized crime groups are diversifying the drugs they seek to import. In the maritime domain, sustained surveillance, enforcement, and regional partnerships continue to protect Australia's borders. The ABF achieved 2,458 onwater days and 15,476 aerial surveillance hours, the highest levels in 5 years. These outcomes reflect the professionalism and dedication of our people on the front line and behind the scenes who work every day to keep Australia safe, secure, and prosperous. Thank you,
>> Thank you very much, Commissioner. We will now proceed to questions and begin with Senator Dian.