Archived Media Releases 2009
Fourth Quarter
30 December 2009 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.
29 December 2009 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command has provided assistance to a vessel 140 nautical miles north east of Gove.
29 December 2009 - Australian Federal Police to Lead Airport Security Across Australia
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today advised that recently announced changes to airport security arrangements will ensure the security of airline travellers is maintained.
28 December 2009 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.
26 December 2009 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.
23 December 2009 - Christmas Comes Early for Cruise Ship Passengers Making First Ever Visit to Christmas Island
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, and Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson, today welcomed the arrival of the Pacific Sun Cruise Ship at Christmas Island, the first visit to the Island by a cruise ship.
23 December 2009 - New Airline Service to Christmas and Cocos Keeling Islands
The Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, has announced a new service provider to conduct regular flights between Perth and Christmas and Cocos Keeling Islands.
23 December 2009 - National Capital Authority Members Thanked
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today thanked Kathryn Greiner AO and Neil Andrew AO for their service to the National Capital Authority (NCA).
23 December 2009 - Border Protection Officers Excel in 2009
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today praised Customs and Border Protection officers and Australian Defence Force officers, working under the direction of Border Protection Command (BPC), for their outstanding work in protecting Australia’s maritime domain this year.
22 December 2009 - Minister Opens Customs and Border Protection House
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, officially opened the new Customs and Border Protection House in Brisbane today.
21 December 2009 - Minister Launches AFP 'ThinkUKnow' YouTube Channel
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today launched a dedicated Australian Federal Police (AFP) YouTube channel for the ThinkUKnow online safety initiative.
21 December 2009 - Border Protection Command on Patrol over Christmas
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.
18 December 2009 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.
18 December 2009 - International Law Enforcement Cooperation
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland and Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today announced a new policy to govern law enforcement cooperation with countries that may apply the death penalty.
18 December 2009 - Reforms to enhance Police capability
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today announced significant administrative reforms to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) as part of the government’s response to the Federal Audit of Police Capabilities.
16 December 2009 - Importation of Tablet Presses to be Banned from 2010
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today announced that tablet presses will be a prohibited import from 1 March 2010.
16 December 2009 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command yesterday successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.
15 December 2009 - AFP Executive Appointments Announced
The Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today announced that the Governor-General has approved the appointed of three new Deputy Commissioners to the Australian Federal Police.
15 December 2009 - Infrastructure Boost for Christmas Island
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today announced a $50 million infrastructure package to benefit the Christmas Island community.
15 December 2009 - National Capital Authority Members Appointed
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today announced the appointment of two new part-time members of the National Capital Authority, Ms Shelley Penn and Ms Christine Storry, commencing on 1 January 2010.
15 December 2009 - Minister for Home Affairs to Visit Norfolk Island
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, announced today that he will be visiting Norfolk Island on the 16th and 17th of December.
14 December 2009 - New Foreign Language Brochures Help at the Border
Information for non-English speaking travellers has become much easier to access with the release of translated versions of the Guide for Travellers – Know Before You Go brochure by Customs and Border Protection. These versions make it possible for travellers to learn, in their own language, just what can and can’t be brought into Australia.
14 December 2009 - R 18+ Classification for Computer Games - Discussion Paper Released
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today encouraged people to share their views on whether an R 18+ classification category for computer games should be included in the Australian National Classification Scheme.
14 December 2009 - Know before you go this holiday season
The Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor is urging international travellers to check Australian import requirements before heading overseas for holidays or business this summer.
11 December 2009 - Suspected Irregular Entry Vessel
A suspected irregular entry vessel arrived at approximately 1:30pm (AEDST) yesterday, 10 December, in the vicinity of Flying Fish Cove, Christmas Island.
10 December 2009 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.
8 December 2009 - Australia delivers Rahardja's crime proceeds
Australian Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today delivered to the Indonesian Minister for Law and Human Rights Patrialis Akbar, more than AUS$493,000 recovered from the criminal activities of the late Hendra Rahardja.
7 December 2009 - Border Protection Command Boards Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel. ACV Holdfast Bay, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, intercepted the vessel at 5:31 pm (AEDST) on 6 December 2009 approximately 31 nautical miles northwest of Scott Reef.
4 December 2009 - Border Protection Command Boards Vessel
Border Protection Command has boarded a vessel 150 nautical miles north west of Darwin. The people on board the vessel are safe and have indicated that they wish to come to Australia.
3 December 2009 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.
3 December 2009 - AFP to Chair Virtual Global Taskforce Fighting Online Child Abuse
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today announced that the Australian Federal Police (AFP) has been appointed as Chair of the Virtual Global Taskforce (VGT) for three years.
2 December 2009 - New Operations Facility for the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today opened a $750,000 operations and investigations facility at the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity (ACLEI) in Canberra.
27 November 2009 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.
27 November 2009 - Achieving National Consistency for Firearms Management
CrimTrac is developing a National Firearms Identification Database (NFID) to address inconsistencies in methods of identifying and recording firearms and reduce the potential for registration mistakes, Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O'Connor, announced today.
27 November 2009 - Border Protection Command Boards Vessel
Border Protection Command has provided assistance to a vessel 150 nautical miles south west of Ashmore Islands. The people on board the vessel are safe and have indicated that they wish to come to Australia.
26 November 2009 - Record Amount of ACC Intelligence Reports in 2008-09
The Australian Crime Commission's (ACC) Annual Report 2008–09 was tabled in Parliament yesterday, highlighting the significant contribution made by the ACC to the law enforcement community including a substantial increase in intelligence provided to partner agencies.
26 November 2009 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.
25 November 2009 - Carbon neutral crime fighters win ICT award
The Minister for Home Affairs, Mr Brendan O’Connor today congratulated the Australian Crime Commission (ACC) on winning the 2009 Australian Computer Society, Canberra Branch, Green ICT Award (Corporate).
25 November 2009 - People Smugglers Charged by AFP
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O'Connor, today praised the work of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for charging two more men with people smuggling offences. Since September 2008, there have been 23 convictions for people smuggling offenders in Australia.
24 November 2009 - 10th Anniversary of Women in Law Enforcement Strategy
Minister for Home Affairs, Mr Brendan O'Connor, proudly commemorates the 10th anniversary of the Women in Law Enforcement Strategy (WILES) mentoring program today.
23 November 2009 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.
20 November 2009 - Importation of tablet presses to be banned from 2010
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today informed Police Ministers about changes to proposed tablet press importation controls to streamline the process for legitimate businesses.
20 November 2009 - Minister visits City of Belmont Safer Suburbs Project
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor visited the City of Belmont today to observe a demonstration of the City’s CCTV Alarm Assist project, which received $1.4 million under the Australian Government’s Safer Suburbs Plan.
20 November 2009 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel. ACV Roebuck Bay, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, intercepted the vessel at approximately 10:40am (AEDST) south west of Ashmore Islands.
20 November 2009 - Haul of Fake Tiffany and Company Seized
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today praised the work of Customs and Border Protection officers in Fremantle who stopped more than 10,000 counterfeit Tiffany and Company items from reaching the local market and being sold to unsuspecting consumers.
19 November 2009 - Australia-Vietnam joint Transnational Crime Centre to be established
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today announced that the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security signed an Exchange of Letters as part of the establishment of the Vietnam-Australia Joint Transnational Crime Centre (VNJTCC).
18 November 2009 - Remaining group disembarks Oceanic Viking in Indonesia
The remaining group of 56 who are among the 78 people rescued at sea on 18 October have disembarked the ACV Oceanic Viking in Tanjung Pinang.
17 November 2009 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command yesterday successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.
17 November 2009 - Australia Lifts it's Game in Fighting Corruption
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today welcomed Australia’s rise to eighth place in a global corruption index, confirming Australia’s reputation as one of the world’s least corrupt countries.
16 November 2009 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.
15 November 2009 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.
14 November 2009 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.
13 November 2009 - Group Disembarks Oceanic Viking in Indonesia
A group of 22 adult males who are among the 78 people rescued at sea on 18 October have disembarked the ACV Oceanic Viking in the port of Tanjung Pinang.
13 November 2009 - Customs and Border Protection: Best in Privacy
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today congratulated the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service on being named the winner of the Symantec Government category at the Australian Privacy Awards 2009 held in Sydney last night.
12 November 2009 - Extradition of Alleged War Criminal Approved
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today determined that Mr Charles Zentai should be surrendered to the Republic of Hungary to face prosecution for a war crimes offence, which allegedly occurred in 1944.
4 November 2009 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.
4 November 2009 - Search north-west of Cocos Island suspended
The Minister for Home Affairs, Mr Brendan O’Connor, announced that the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) had at 10:30am today (AEDST) suspended the search for survivors of a vessel that sank approximately 640km north west of Cocos Island.
3 November 2009 - Search and Rescue Operation Continues North West of Cocos Island
The Australian Government is continuing its search and rescue operation following the sinking of a vessel on 1 November approximately 350 nautical miles to the north west of Cocos Island.
2 November 2009 - Update Regarding Search and Rescue Underway North West of Cocos Island
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, has provided an update on the search and rescue operation underway approximately 350 nautical miles to the north west of Cocos Island.
30 October 2009 - Celebrating 280 dog years of excellence
The Minister for Home Affairs, Mr Brendan O’Connor, today visited Customs and Border Protection in Sydney to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Detector Dog Program.
29 October 2009 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.
29 October 2009 - Carbon Neutral Crime Fighters
The Minister for Finance and Deregulation Lindsay Tanner and the Minister for Home Affairs, Mr Brendan O’Connor today congratulated the Australian Crime Commission (ACC) on becoming the first organisation to become fully Green ICT Certified by Computer’s Off Australia (COA).
24 October 2009 - ACV Oceanic Viking
The Australian Government is working closely with Indonesian authorities to safely facilitate the transfer of 78 passengers on board the Australian Customs Vessel Oceanic Viking to the port of Tanjung Pinang in Indonesia.
23 October 2009 - Australia Leading Efforts to Combat People Trafficking
Australia is at the forefront of efforts to fight the crime of people trafficking according to a new
report from the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) released today.
23 October 2009 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.
22 October 2009 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.
21 October 2009 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.
18 October 2009 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.
13 October 2009 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command has successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.
12 October 2009 - Funding to Help Children Grow Strong
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor and Member for Oxley Bernie Ripoll today announced funding of $500,000 to Mission Australia to provide programs for children under five in Inala and Carole Park.
12 October 2009 - Government Acting to Combat Scams
Consumer fraud is costing the Australian community close to $1 billion according to the latest research by the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC).
9 October 2009 - Adelaide School receives Funds for Security
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today announced funding of $300,000 for Massada College in Glenside, Adelaide under the Australian Government’s $20 million Secure Schools Program.
9 October 2009 - Minister for Home Affairs Leads Australian Delegation to Singapore
The Minister for Home Affairs, Mr Brendan O’Connor, and the Australian Federal Police Commissioner, Mr Tony Negus, will tomorrow travel to Singapore to attend the INTERPOL General Assembly. The Assembly will incorporate a Ministerial meeting to discuss United Nations Peace Keeping Cooperation.
9 October 2009 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
The Royal Australian Navy patrol boat HMAS Bathurst, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, intercepted the vessel at 9.20 am (AEST) on 9 October approximately 18 nautical miles north of Ashmore Island.
8 October 2009 - CrimTrac nominated for Privacy Commission Award
The Minister for Home Affairs, Mr Brendan O’Connor, today congratulated CrimTrac, the agency responsible for developing information sharing solutions for law enforcement agencies, for securing a place as a finalist in the Australian Privacy Awards 2009.
8 October 2009 - Funding Supports Young African Migrants
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor and Member for Adelaide Kate Ellis today announced funding of $324,418 for Baptist Care (SA) Inc to help young African migrants to adapt to life in Australia.
6 October 2009 - Security for Older Swan Hill Residents
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today announced a grant of $152,960 to the Rotary Club of Swan Hill to make their area more secure for older local residents.
2 October 2009 - Indigenous Offenders Supported to Stop Reoffending
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today announced funding of $500,000 for the Shine for Kids Co-operative to help families of Indigenous offenders.
2 October 2009 - Children Snap to Reduce Anti-Social Behaviour
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today announced funding of $480,000 to Kilmany UnitingCare to work with children in Gippsland to keep them in school and away from problems with the law.
2 October 2009 - Funding to Reduce Aboriginal Prisoners Reoffending
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today announced funding of $500,000 for the Mulungu Aboriginal Corporation Medical Centre to reduce Aboriginal prisoners re-offending after release.
2 October 2009 - Government Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Tablet Press Regulations
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today invited interested parties to comment on proposed regulations controlling the import of tablet presses.
1 October 2009 - Funding to Stop Aboriginal Prisoners Reoffending
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor and Member for Solomon Damian Hale today announced funding of $499,547 to work with Aboriginal prisoners to stop them re-offending.
1 October 2009 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
The HMAS Albany and the HMAS Maitland, both operating under the control of Border Protection Command, intercepted the vessel at approximately 2:17am (AEST) on 1 October 2009 approximately 23 nautical miles north-north west of Browse Island.
Third Quarter
30 September 2009 - Your chance to adopt a Four-Legged Border Protection Officer!
Do you want to help protect Australia’s borders? Do you love animals? Do you live in Melbourne? If you answered yes, you could become a foster carer for a Customs and Border Protection detector dog puppy.
29 September 2009 - 43 People Rescued on the High Seas
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has today coordinated the search and rescue of 43 people onboard a distressed vessel approximately 250 nautical miles north of Cocos-Keeling Islands.
29 September 2009 - Funding to Reduce Substance Abuse in Aboriginal Offenders
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor and Federal Member for Perth Stephen Smith today announced funding of $500,000 to Outcare Inc to work with Aboriginal prisoners in Perth upon release to help them access services and reduce any drug and alcohol problems.
29 September 2009 - Funding to Help Young Offenders get Jobs
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor and Federal Member for Perth Stephen Smith today announced that YMCA of Perth Youth and Community Services Inc would receive funding of $500,000 to provide support, training and employment opportunities to young offenders to help stop the recurring cycle of crime, poverty and imprisonment.
29 September 2009 - Jervis Bay Territory Bus Service starts 1 October
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today announced a trial bus service for Jervis Bay Territory residents would start on 1 October.
27 September 2009 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessels
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted two suspected irregular entry vessels.
24 September 2009 - Funding For Prisoners To Get Off Drugs
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor and Senator for ACT Kate Lundy today announced a grant of $485,000 to help rehabilitate drug and alcohol addicted prisoners at the Alexander Maconochie Centre.
23 September 2009 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.
20 September 2009 - 54 People Rescued on the High Seas
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority coordinated the search and rescue of 54 people onboard a distressed vessel today approximately 550 nautical miles north of Cocos-Keeling Islands. Border Protection Command assisted with the search and rescue operation deploying a P-3 maritime patrol aircraft and the Oceanic Viking patrol vessel.
18 September 2009 - Funding to Help Aboriginal Prisoners Reconnect
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor and Member for Denison Duncan Kerr today announced funding of $441,392 for Colony 47 to work with Aboriginal prisoners in Tasmania to help them settle back into the community after release.
18 September 2009 - Administrator for Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Appointed
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today announced that Brian Lacy would be appointed as Administrator of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Brian James (BJ) Lacy is a Senior Deputy President of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission and has a distinguished career in both private and public service.
17 September 2009 - Border Protection Command Boards Vessel
Border Protection Command has provided assistance to a vessel 78 nautical miles west of Darwin. The people on board the vessel are safe and have indicated that they wish to come to Australia.
16 September 2009 - New Austrac CEO Appointed
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today announced the appointment of Mr John Schmidt to the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC).
16 September 2009 - Further Measures to Combat Organised Crime
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today introduced legislation into the Parliament to more effectively prevent, investigate and prosecute organised crime activity, and target the proceeds of organised criminal groups.
15 September 2009 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.
15 September 2009 - Reform of Maritime Enforcement Legislation
The Australian Government today announced legislative reforms to enhance Australia’s ability to respond to maritime security threats.
12 September 2009 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.
12 September 2009 - Border Protection Command Boards Vessel
Border Protection Command has provided assistance to a vessel that was reported to have been in distress 82 nautical miles south of Ashmore Island.
11 September 2009 - Public Comment Sought on Reforms to Child Sex Offences
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today invited the public to comment on proposed reforms to child sexual exploitation laws.
7 September 2009 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
A Dash 8 maritime patrol aircraft, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, sighted the vessel, and a Royal Australian Navy patrol boat HMAS Ararat, was quickly deployed, intercepting the vessel as it approached Ashmore Islands.
7 September 2009 - Australian Federal Police Commissioner Sworn In
Mr Tony Negus APM, was today officially sworn in as the new Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police.
4 September 2009 - Sydney Schools Share in Secure Schools Funding
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today announced three NSW schools will share in $654,000 under the Australian Government’s $20 million Secure Schools Program.
4 September 2009 - Sydney Inner West Skills Centre Inc Receives Grant
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor and Member for Reid Laurie Ferguson today visited Sydney’s Inner West Skills Centre to deliver funding of $318,003 for a program to help young people develop skills under the Australian Government’s Proceeds of Crime Act (2002).
3 September 2009 - Victorian YMCA Community Services receives funding
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor and Member for Melbourne Lindsay Tanner today visited Victorian YMCA Youth and Community Services Inc to deliver funding for a program to reduce re-offending by young people under the Australian Government’s Proceeds of Crime Act (2002).
2 September 2009 - Halls Creek Artists' Community Receives Funding
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today visited Halls Creek, in northern WA, to deliver funding of $438,324 for the Warlayirti Artists’ Aboriginal Corporation, under the Australian Government’s Proceeds of Crime Act (2002).
2 September 2009 - Minister Returns from Productive Visit to Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor has today returned from a productive three day visit to Cocos (Keeling) and Christmas Islands, where he announced a number of measures to support the economic, cultural and environmental future of the island territories.
1 September 2009 - Taskforce to Protect Environmental and Economic Future of Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today announced the establishment of an Australian Government Taskforce to ensure an environmentally and economically sustainable future for Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
1 September 2009 - Government announces $3.5 Million Cruise Ship Mooring upgrade on Christmas Island
The Australian Government has today announced a $3.5 million upgrade of mooring facilities on Christmas Island to allow for the arrival of cruise ships.
31 August 2009 - $10.8 Million of Capital Works Announced for Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today announced $10.8 million in funding for high priority capital works projects on Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands in 2009-10.
30 August 2009 - Minister Visits Cocos (Keeling) and Christmas Islands
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor will today fly to Cocos (Keeling) Islands beginning a three-day visit to meet with communities in the Indian Ocean Territories.
29 August 2009 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.
20 August 2009 - Comprehensive checks for people working with children
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today introduced amendments to the Commonwealth Crimes Act 1914 to help protect children from harm.
18 August 2009 - Minister farewells AFP Members to Afghanistan
The Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor this morning farewelled Australian Federal Police (AFP) members deploying to Afghanistan to contribute to local police training and capacity building of the local police force.
15 August 2009 - Customs and Border Protection Officers Sworn as Members of AFP People Smuggling Strike Team
The Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, has this week welcomed the swearing in of eight members of the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service as Special Members of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) People Smuggling Strike Team.
14 August 2009 - Australian Federal Police Commissioner
The Australian Government is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Tony Negus APM, as Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
13 August 2009 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.
10 August 2009 - Mapping the Capital Display Opens
The Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor has launched a display celebrating the centenary of Charles Scrivener’s survey of the national capital today.
9 August 2009 - Launch: Mapping the Capital: 100 Years of the Scrivener Survey of Canberra
The Minister is opening a display Mapping the Capital: 100 Years of the Scrivener Survey of Canberra. 10am, Monday, 10 August 2009, National Capital Exhibition, Regatta Point, Commonwealth Park, Canberra.
6 August 2009 - Victorian Schools a Priority in School Safety Funding
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today announced five Victorian schools will share more than $2 million under the Australian Government’s $20 million Secure Schools Program.
31 July 2009 - Police Across the Country Receive National Crime-Fighting Capability
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor has congratulated CrimTrac for delivering the National Police Reference System (NPRS) to all of Australia’s 50,000 police officers.
19 July 2009 - Minister O'Connor Visits Customs and Border Protection in Cairns
The Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, will be in Cairns today to visit the Customs and Border Protection officers in regional Queensland.
17 July 2009 - Christmas Island National Park Chosen in top 77 Natural Wonders of the World
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor today welcomed Christmas Island National Park’s inclusion as one of 77 nominees for the New 7 Wonders of Nature list.
17 July 2009 - Minister Goes to Sea with Customs and Border Protection
The Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today experienced a day in the life of a Customs and Border Protection officer, participating in a boat patrol on a Customs and Border Protection Bay Class patrol vessel Arnhem Bay.
17 July 2009 - Australian and Indonesian combat illegal foreign fishing
The Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor and his Indonesian counterpart, Vice Admiral Numberi, Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Indonesia, will sign a Letter of Intent for cooperation and assistance relating to fisheries enforcement measures between Australia and Indonesia today.
16 July 2009 - Government Provides $1.4 Million for Darwin and Palmerston CCTV Project
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today visited NT Acting Chief Minister Delia Lawrie to deliver funding of $1.4 million for a network of CCTV surveillance cameras for Darwin, Casuarina and Palmerston.
11 July 2009 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
The Royal Australian Navy patrol boat HMAS Armidale, operating under the control of
Border Protection Command, intercepted the vessel approximately 19 nautical miles
north west of Christmas Island.
7 July 2009 - Minister Welcomes Completion of Smartgate Upgrade in Brisbane
The Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, officially announced today the completion of scheduled upgrade work to SmartGate, the self-processing option for travellers, at Brisbane International Airport.
7 July 2009 - Protecting Not-for-profit Organisations from Terrorism Financing
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today announced the release of a guidance to safe guard non-profit organisations against terrorism financing.
3 July 2009 - People Smuggling on Agenda in Meeting with Indonesian Minister
The Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Brendan O’Connor MP, today met with the Indonesian Minister for Law and Human Rights, Andi Mattalata, to discuss the continuing relationship between the two countries and efforts to combat people smuggling.
3 July 2009 - Smartgate Now Available at Sydney International Airport
The Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O'Connor, officially announced today that SmartGate, the self-processing option for travellers, is now available at Sydney International Airport.
1 July 2009 - Government Seeks Comment on International Crime Cooperation Laws
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor MP today invited public comment on proposed improvements to Australia’s extradition and mutual assistance laws.
1 July 2009 - New Rules for Advertising Unclassified Films and Computer Games
The Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, has announced that a new scheme for advertising unclassified films and computer games will commence on 1 July 2009.
Second Quarter 2009
28 June 2009 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
A suspected illegal entry vessel was intercepted today by the Royal Australian Navy patrol boat HMAS Pirie, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, approximately 23 nautical miles north west of Christmas Island.
24 June 2009 - Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Isalnds to Receive Community Arts Funding
The Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today announced Australian Government funding for two community art programs for Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
24 June 2009 - Australian Institute of Criminology Director Appointed
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today announced the appointment of Dr Adam Tomison as Director of the Australian Institute of Criminology.
23 June 2009 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
A suspected illegal entry vessel was intercepted today by the Royal Australian Navy patrol boat HMAS Launceston and the Australian Customs and Border Protection vessel Arnhem Bay, both operating under the control of Border Protection Command, approximately 3 nautical miles south east of Ashmore Island.
19 June 2009 - Australian Government to ban the Importation of Tablet Presses
The Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today announced the Australian Government will make tablet presses a prohibited import.
17 June 2009 - Improved Support for Trafficking Victims
The Australian Government today announced changes to Australia’s anti-people trafficking strategy to provide improved support for victims.
10 June 2009 – Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
A suspected illegal entry vessel was detected today by a Dash 8 aircraft and intercepted by the Royal Australian Navy patrol boat HMAS Bundaberg, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, approximately 1 nautical mile north of Ashmore Island.
