BORDER PROTECTION COMMAND ON PATROL OVER CHRISTMAS
21 December 2009
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today advised that Border Protection Command (BPC) would remain hard at work over the Christmas season protecting Australia’s borders from possible threats.
Border Protection Command is responsible for protecting Australia’s maritime domain from unauthorised arrivals, illegal activity in protected areas, maritime terrorism, piracy, illegal exploitation of natural resources, prohibited imports and exports, compromise to bio-security and marine pollution.
“The Australian Government wants to send a strong message that Border Protection Command is not going on holiday over the Christmas period. Australian waters will be well protected with sustained border protection activities being conducted over this period,” said Mr O’Connor.
Border Protection Command has a proactive intelligence-based surveillance program to protect Australia’s borders using a combination of Customs and Border Protection and Defence assets to deliver a coordinated national response to security threats in Australia’s maritime domain.
“The Australian Government places a high priority on protecting Australia’s borders from illegal maritime activity by maintaining an effective and visible tactical response program of aerial, land and sea-based patrols. Anyone thinking that the Christmas period is a good time to breach our borders should think again,” said Mr O’Connor.
At any one time BPC has the following assets under its control to respond to border security threats:
- Eight Customs and Border Protection Service patrol vessels;
- One Customs and Border Protection Service contracted southern ocean patrol vessel (Oceanic Viking);
- One Customs and Border Protection Service contracted northern patrol vessel;
- Seven Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Armidale Class Patrol Boats;
- One RAN Major Fleet Unit (if required);
- Two Royal Australian Air Force AP3-C Orion long-range maritime patrol aircraft;
- Twelve Customs and Border Protection Service contracted maritime patrol aircraft; and
- Three Customs and Border Protection Service contracted helicopters
“This year the BPC has experienced a very high operational tempo and the Australian Government, along with members of the Australian public, acknowledge the sacrifices made by the men and women of Border Protection Command, particularly over the Christmas period, to protect Australia’s borders,” said Mr O’Connor.
Media contact:
Brian Humphreys 0438 595 567 or
Customs and Border Protection media (02) 6275 6793
