$16 Million for Sea Cargo Inspections
Customs will receive an additional $16 million over the next four years as part of the Rudd Government's election commitment to increase its container examination capacity at four key regional seaports, the Minister for Home Affairs Bob Debus said today.
Mr Debus said the funding, announced as part of the 2008-09 Federal Budget, would increase the number of ports where Customs has dedicated container examination capabilities to nine.
The Budget initiative comprises:
- establishment of dedicated, secure facilities for container examination in Launceston, Townsville and Newcastle and an upgrading of existing facilities in Darwin, including new equipment for unloading and physical inspection of containers;
- x-ray equipment to inspect consignments unpacked from containers in Launceston, Townsville, Newcastle and Darwin;
- introduction of substance identification and trace detection equipment already available at larger container examination facilities; and
- 13 additional Customs officers to support targeting and examination activity at the four ports.
"On average, the initiative will double the rate of inspection in these smaller ports," Mr Debus said.
"This measure delivers upon the Government's pre-election commitment to improve port security and border protection and will assist in the identification and interception of illegal and potentially dangerous goods.
"As a nation dependent on the movement of containers across our wharves, this is an important enhancement of our border security."
Mr Debus said there would be no change to the Sea Import Processing Charge as a result of the increased cargo inspections.
"This initiative is a reflection of the Government's commitment to safeguarding national security."
Media Contact: Samantha Wills 0448 721 372