Media Releases

Third Quarter 2010

3 September 2010 - Border Protection Command intercepts vessel
HMAS Glenelg, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, boarded a suspected irregular entry vessel north of Christmas Island this morning.

1 September 2010 - Border Protection Command intercepts vessel
HMAS Glenelg, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, boarded a suspected irregular entry vessel north east of Christmas Island this morning.

31 August 2010 - Border Protection Command intercepts vessel
HMAS Glenelg, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, boarded a suspected irregular entry vessel north of Christmas Island this morning.

28 August 2010 - Border Protection Command intercepts vessel
HMAS Glenelg, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, boarded a suspected irregular entry vessel north of Christmas Island this morning.

27 August 2010 - Border Protection Command intercepts vessel
HMAS Pirie, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, boarded a suspected irregular entry vessel north-west of Scott Reef this morning.

22 August 2010 - Border Protection Command intercepts vessel
HMAS Bundaberg, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, boarded a suspected irregular entry vessel north east of Scott Reef this afternoon.

22 August 2010 - Border Protection Command intercepts vessel
ACV Triton, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, boarded a suspected irregular entry vessel north-west of Ashmore Islands late yesterday.

19 August 2010 - Border Protection Command intercepts vessel
HMAS Wollongong, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, intercepted a suspected irregular entry vesesel north of Christmas Island overnight.

18 August 2010 - Border Protection Command intercepts vessel
HMAS Wollongong, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, last night baorded a suspected irregular entry vesesel north west of Christmas Island.

14 August 2010 - Border Protection Command intercepts vessel
HMAS Wollongong, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, last night intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel north of Christmas Island.

10 August 2010 - Border Protection Command intercepts vessel
HMAS Wollongong, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, today intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel north east of Christmas Island.

29 July 2010 - Border Protection Command assists vessel
Customs and Border Protection Command has rescued a distressed vessel approximately 85 nautical miles north west of Christmas Island.

21 July 2010 - Border Protection Command intercepts vessel
HMAS Broome, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, this evening intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel north of Flying Fish Cove, Christmas Island.

21 July 2010 - Border Protection Command intercepts vessel
HMAS Broome, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, this morning intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel north of Flying Fish Cove, Christmas Island.

17 July 2010 - A uniform standard for forensic testing across Australia
The Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor says $454,000 will be invested in developing national forensic testing standards for Australia.

16 July 2010 - Strengthening the fight against money laundering and people smuggling
The Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today detailed proposed measures to stop international funds transfer services being used to fund people smuggling and serious crime.

16 July 2010 - New Firearms Advisory Council
The Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today announced a new Commonwealth Firearms Advisory Council, replacing the Sporting Shooters and Firearms Advisory Council.

14 July 2010 - Border Protection Command intercepts vessel
HMAS Maryborough, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel north west of Browse Island this morning.

14 July 2010 - Outcomes of the Pacific Ministers’ meeting on fisheries and law enforcement
A landmark meeting of Pacific Island Fisheries and Law Enforcement Ministers, hosted by the Gillard Government, concluded today with positive outcomes achieved to protect regional fish stocks, underpinned by regional cooperation of law enforcement and fisheries management agencies.

13 July 2010 - Border Protection Command intercepts vessel
ACV Holdfast Bay, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, last night intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel north west of Ashmore Islands.

13 July 2010 0 Federal law enforcers stop drugs and save lives
The Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today congratulated federal law enforcement agencies that helped prevent 240 kilograms of cocaine from reaching Australian streets.

13 July 2010 - Launch of Criminal Intelligence Fusion Centre
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland and Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today launched the new Criminal Intelligence Fusion Centre within the Australian Crime Commission.

12 July 2010 - Border Protection Command assists vessel
HMAS Albany assisted a suspected irregular entry vessel 230 nautical miles west of Darwin last night, within Australia’s search and rescue region under the Safety of Life at Sea Convention.

12 July 2010 - Bomb detection dogs to boost aviation and border security
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor has today visited the first class of Australian Federal Police detection dog teams to benefit from a $17.8 million boost.

8 July 2010 - Putting the pieces together in Bendigo
The Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor and Member for Bendigo Steve Gibbons today announced $135,000 for the St Luke’s Anglicare Putting the Pieces Together project.

7 July 2010 - Border Protection Command intercepts vessel
ACV Triton, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel west of Ashmore Islands late yesterday.

4 July 2010 - Border Protection Command intercepts vessel
HMAS Glenelg operating under the control of Border Protection Command intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel last night, north west of Flying Fish Cove at Christmas Island.

4 July 2010 - National move to tackle crime in our gambling venues
The Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor says work is now underway to enable nationwide enforcement of gambling exclusion orders.

2 July 2010 - Australian police ministers back National Youth Policing Model
The Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today joined with State and Territory Ministers to endorse a new national model for better tackling youth violence and anti-social behaviour.

2 July 2010 - Border Protection Command boards vessel
HMAS Wollongong, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, today located a suspected irregular entry vessel north of Christmas Island.

Second Quarter 2010

30 June 2010 - Australian Institute of Criminology Director reappointed
The Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today announced the reappointment of Dr Adam Tomison as Director of the Australian Institute of Criminology for the next four years.

29 June 2010 - Foreign fishers caught with shark fin in Australian waters
The Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor says Border Protection Command today apprehended a foreign vessel suspected of illegally fishing in the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone.

29 June 2010 - Travellers alerted to new child sex tourism laws
The Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor will today launch new airport signage alerting the public to new laws that target Australians who travel overseas to sexually exploit children.

29 June 2010 - Report reveals criminal minds behind exploitation of businesses
The Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor will today release a new report that gives an insight into the ways that criminals launder funds and commit serious crimes in Australia.

26 June 2010 - Border Protection Command intercepts vessel
HMAS Wollongong, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel east of Christmas Island this morning.

23 June 2010 - Border Protection Command boards vessel
HMAS Wollongong, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, boarded a suspected irregular entry vessel this morning.

23 June 2010 - $24.9 million to stop terrorists and criminals flying into Australia
The Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today announced the start of work to expand an airline passenger security system to better protect Australia from terrorists and criminals.

21 June 2010 - ANZAC spirit grows with Hebe plantings
The Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor will today join the New Zealand High Commissioner His Excellency Dr John Larkindale to plant the first of new varieties of plants to honour the ANZACs.

19 June 2010 - Eight new patrol boats to protect Australia’s borders
The Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor says the procurement process for eight new border protection patrol vessels has now begun.

18 June 2010 - Border Protection Command intercepts vessels
Border Protection Command today intercepted two suspected irregular entry vessels.

16 June 2010 - Federal Police ahead of target for 500 new officers
The Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today informed Parliament that the Australian Federal Police is exceeding the Rudd Government’s recruitment target to hire 500 new sworn officers over five years.

15 June 2010 - Vessel intercepted by Border Protection Command
HMAS Armidale, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel south west of Ashmore Islands this afternoon.

15 June 2010 - 'Doc'ceroos take on Australian Federal Police at Parliament to launch Men's Health Week
The launch of Men’s Health Week is a great way of promoting awareness of male health issues, the Minister for Indigenous Health and Rural and Regional Health, Warren Snowdon, and the Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, said today.

14 June 2010 - Tougher penalties for aviation threats
The Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor will propose tougher penalties for aviation-related crimes, such as bomb hoaxes and endangering an aircraft in flight.

13 June 2010 - Top cops share pearls of wisdom in Sydney
The Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today addressed law enforcement chiefs from across the globe who have gathered in Sydney for the 2010 Pearls in Policing conference.

12 June 2010 - Border Protection Command intercepts vessels
ACV Triton, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, today intercepted a suspected illegal entry vessel north west of Ashmore Islands.

10 June 2010 - Australia and Indonesia collaborate to combat money laundering
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today welcomed an Indonesian parliamentary delegation to Australia to discuss Indonesia’s draft law to combat money laundering.

9 June 2010 - ThinkUKnow cyber education starts in Victoria
The Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today launched ThinkUKnow in Victoria to educate parents, carers and teachers about how to create a safe online experience for young Australians.

8 June 2010 - Border Protection Command assists vessel
ACV Oceanic Viking, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, has today assisted a boat south west of Scott Reef under the Safety of Life at Sea convention.

8 June 2010 - Illicit drug report helps avoid future victims of drugs
The Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today released a new report to help law enforcement agencies better tackle illicit drugs and limit the devastating effects of drugs on Australian families.

5 June 2010 - Border Protection Command assists vesiel
ACV Botany Bay, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, this afternoon provided assistance to a vessel north of Scott Reef.

5 June 2010 - Border Protection Command intercepts vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.

4 June 2010 - Border Protection Command boards vessel
HMAS Maryborough, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, boarded a vessel overnight, about ten nautical miles north of Ashmore Island.

4 June 2010 - Minister welcomes Queen’s Baton return to Australia
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today welcomed the arrival of the Queen’s Baton on Norfolk Island on its journey to New Delhi in India for the XIX Commonwealth Games.

4 June 2010 - Border Protection Command assists vessel
Vessels operating under the control ofBorder Protection Command have assisted a boat carrying 28 passengers and two crew, under the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention.

3 June 2010 - Christmas Island serves up volleyball talent
The Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor and the Member for Lingiari Warren Snowdon today served up $52,000 to send Christmas Island volleyballers to the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup for the first time.

3 June 2010 - ThinkUKnow cyber education starts in ACT
The Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today launched ThinkUKnow in the ACT to educate parents, carers and teachers about how to create a safe online experience for young Australians.

25 May 2010 - Help Bring Missing Children Home
The Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today urged Australians to launch an online balloon as part of a global campaign for International Missing Children’s Day.

24 May 2010 - Review of Norfolk Island Heritage Site Released
The Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today announced that a new report will help to bolster the bid for World Heritage Listing of a historic part of Norfolk Island.

22 May 2010 - Federal Police Helping to Rebuild Afghanistan
The Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O'Connor has returned from witnessing first-hand the work of Australian Federal Police officer in Afghanistan. Mr O'Connor joined AFP Commissioner Tony Negus at Tarin Kowt and Kabul this week to get an insight into the important work the AFP is doing in the country.

16 May 2010 - Border Protection Command Boards Vessel
Border Protection Command provided assistance to a vessel yesterday afternoon approximately 45 nautical miles east-north-east of Scott Reef. Initial indications suggest 92 passengers were on board the vessel.

14 May 2010 - Territories Law Reform Report Welcomed
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O'Connor, today welcomed continued cooperation between the Commonwealth and State and Territories and progress on initiatives to improve compliance with classification laws.

13 May 2010 - Passage of Legislation to Combat People Smuggling
The Australian Government today welcomed the passage of legislation to significantly strengthen Australia’s people smuggling laws.

13 May 2010 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.

12 May 2010 - Daniel Snedden Taken Into Custody
Daniel Snedden, wanted to face war crimes charges in Croatia, has today been taken into custody.

12 May 2010 - Vessel Intercepted by Border Protection Command
HMAS Childers operating under the control of Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel, near Ashmore Islands.

12 May 2010 - Looking After Australia's Territories
The Rudd Government today confirmed that an additional $82.8 million would be provided in the 2010/11 Budget to support the communities of Christmas and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

12 May 2010 - Border Protection Command Boards Vessel
Customs and Border Protection patrol vessel, the Oceanic Viking, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, provided assistance to a vessel yesterday afternoon approximately 54 nautical miles south south west of Scott Reef. Initial indications suggest 48 people were on board the vessel.

11 May 2010 - Additional $38.5 Million to Combat Organised Crime
The Government will invest an additional $38.5 million to combat organised crime in Australia, Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, and Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor announced today.

11 May 2010 - Strengthening Australia's Border Security
The Australian Government will invest $1.2 billion to bolster Australia’s border security with a range of measures including eight new border patrol vessels and strengthened aviation security.

11 May 2010 - Strengthening Australia's National Security Capacity
The Rudd Government will invest over $500 million to further strengthen Australia’s national security capacity.

10 May 2010 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Two Vessels
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted two suspected irregular entry vessels.

10 May 2010 - Rescued Passengers Arrive at Christmas Island
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship and the Australian Federal Police have commenced interviewing 59 rescued passengers who have arrived at Christmas Island. They will undergo identity, security and health checks and their reasons for travel will be established.

9 May 2010 - Maritime Search and Rescue Operation - Complete
Passengers from a disabled vessel that was rescued yesterday by a Russian merchant vessel, MV Postojna, have been transferred to Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

8 May 2010 - Maritime Search and Rescue Operation near Cocos Islands - Update
A disabled vessel carrying approximately 60 people has been located and is being towed to Cocos Islands where arrangements are being put in place for the safe disembarkation of passengers.

7 May 2010 - Progress on Classification Enforcement Initiatives
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O'Connor, today welcomed continued cooperation between the Commonwealth and State and Territories and progress on initiatives to improve compliance with classification laws.

7 May 2010 - R18+ Classification for Computer Games Consultation Report Released
The Standing Committee of Attorneys General today agreed to release a status report following public consultation about whether Australia’s Classification Scheme should include an R 18+ classification category for computer games

7 May 2010 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command last night successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.

7 May 2010 - Online Monitoring uncovers Pseudoephedrine Syndicate
A six-month Customs and Border Protection operation involving online targeting officers has uncovered a suspected pseudoephedrine importing syndicate in Adelaide.

6 May 2010 - Detector Dogs Have Assured Place in High-Tech World
The Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today announced that detector dogs are continuing to perform a crucial role for Customs and Border Protection, despite the introduction of new technology and equipment.

6 May 2010 - ThinkYouKnow Launched in South Australia
The Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today launched the ThinkUKnow program in South Australia at the Linden Park Schools in Adelaide.

4 May 2010 - Improved Safety and Community Facilities for City of Gosnells
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today congratulated the City of Gosnells on its revitalisation work on the Thornlie Civic Precinct.

4 May 2010 - Vessel Intercepted by Border Protection Command
HMAS Childers operating under the control of Border Protection Command last night successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel, west of Ashmore Islands.

3 May 2010 - Tough Penalties for Illegally Importing Weapons
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today announced that over 2,500 bladed weapons have been seized by Customs and Border Protection already this year.

29 April 2010 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command yesterday successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.

29 April 2010 - Australia Strengthening Fight Against Money Laundering in the Region
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O'Connor, today announced an extensive legal assistance program in the Asia-Pacific to combat money-laundering and financing of terrorism.

28 April 2010 - New Southern Ocean Patrol Vessel
The Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today announced a new Southern Ocean Maritime Patrol and Response Capability contract has been signed with Australian company, dmaa Seaforce Pty Ltd.

28 April 2010 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel late last night.

28 April 2010 - Farewelling AFP Deployment to Afghanistan
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today farewelled the additional six Australian Federal Police (AFP) members deploying to Afghanistan to contribute to the ongoing capacity building and development of the Afghan National Police.

27 April 2010 - $3.6 Million For Safer Victorian Schools
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor today announced funding of $3,648,410 to schools in Victoria under the Australian Government’s $20 million Secure Schools Program.

27 April 2010 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel yesterday afternoon.

26 April 2010 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
HMAS Wollongong operating under the control of Border Protection Command successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel last night, north north west of Ashmore Islands.

23 April 2010 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
HMAS Maitland, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, intercepted the vessel during the evening on 22 April 2010 north east of West Islet, near Ashmore Islands. The vessel was detected by ACV Ashmore Guardian, under the control of Border Protection Command.

23 April 2010 - Strengthening the Fight Against Money Laundering and People Smuggling
The Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today signaled the government's next steps in the fight against money laundering and people smuggling with the release of a discussion paper detailing proposals to strengthen regulation of Australia’s remittance sector.

22 April 2010 - ThinkUKnow Launched in New South Wales
The Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O'Connor, and Federal Member for Lowe, John Murphy have reinforced the importance and relevance of the recently launched Think U Know program developed to educate parents, carers and teachers about how to create a safe online experience for the nation's youth.

21 April 2010 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.

16 April 2010 - Minister Welcomes Input from Norfolk Island on Territories Law Reform Bill
The Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today thanked the Norfolk Island community for the submissions received on the Territories Law Reform Bill 2010.

16 April 2010 - ThinkUKnow Launched in Tasmania
The Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor and the Federal Member for Franklin, Julie Collins, today launched the ThinkUKnow program in Tasmania at Calvin Primary School in Hobart, to educate parents, carers and teachers about how to create a safe online experience for the nation’s youth.

16 April 2010 - Minister Requests Review of Salo Classification
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, has applied to the Classification Review Board for a review of the most recent classification of the film Salo.

16 April 2010 - Laws Amended to Prevent Abuse of Money Transfer System
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today announced new Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Rules (AML/CTF Rules) which provide powers to deregister high-risk money remitters.

16 April 2010 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.

16 April 2010 - Minister Applauds Tasmanian Indigenous Program
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today visited a Hobart intervention project for Indigenous men and youth, funded under the Australian Government’s Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) grants program.

13 April 2010 - People Smuggler Charged by AFP
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today praised the work of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for charging a Sri Lankan man with people smuggling.

12 April 2010 - Minister Backs Call for Vigilence to Combat Card Skimming
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O'Connor has urged merchants to heed the warnings from banks, law enforcement agencies and retailers to secure EFTPOS terminals from a rise in card skimming.

12 April 2010 - Enhancing Customs Cooperation in the Pacific
The Pacific Customs Management Program 2010, managed by the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service will begin in Canberra today.

12 April 2010 - Grant to Improve Customs Law and Border Protection in Solomon Islands
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today announced a joint Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Australian Government US$600,000 grant package, which aims to modernise and improve customs legislation in Solomon Islands.

11 April 2010 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.

10 April 2010 Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
HMAS Maitland, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, intercepted the vessel during the afternoon on 10 April north east of Ashmore Island.

10 April 2010 Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command has successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.

9 April 2010 - Cultural Diversity the Winner
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, has encouraged Melbourne’s diverse cultural communities and AFL footy fans alike to come together on Sunday 11 April to celebrate the third annual Unity Cup Family Day.

9 April 2010 - Border Protection Command Boards Vessel
Border Protection Command has provided assistance to a vessel 73 nautical miles east-south-east of Christmas Island.

7 April 2010 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.

6 April 2010 - Vessel Intercepted by Border Protection Command
HMAS Childers operating under the control of Border Protection Command successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel last night, near West Island at Ashmore Reef.

6 April 2010 - SmartGate Swings Open at Hold Coast Airport
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today unveiled SmartGate, the self-processing option for travellers, at Gold Coast International Airport.

4 April 2010 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.

2 April 2010 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.

1 April 2010 - Border Protection Command Intercepts vessel
Border Protection Command today succesfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.

First Quarter 2010

29 March 2010 - Two Vessels Intercepted by Border Protection Command
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted two suspected irregular entry vessels.

27 March 2010 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.

25 March 2010 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Last night, Border Protection Command successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.

24 March 2010 - Congratulations to new Norfolk Island Legislative Assembly
The Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Brendan O’Connor MP, today congratulated the newly elected members of the Norfolk Island Legislative Assembly.

24 March 2010 - Exta Time to Comment on Territories Law Reform Bill 2010
The Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Brendan O’Connor MP, today announced an extension of time for comments on the Territories Law Reform Bill 2010.

23 March 2010 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessels
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted two suspected irregular entry vessels.

22 March 2010 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command has successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.

20 March 2010 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
HMAS Albany operating under the control of Border Protection Command successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel north-west of Christmas Island, just after 11pm yesterday.

19 March 2010 - Simpler Tariff Concessions will Reduce Compliance Costs to Business
The Rudd Government today announced that it will create a simpler system of tariff concessions for importers, brokers and manufacturers.

19 March 2010 - Consumer Beware Counterfeit Goods Seizures on the Rise
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today warned consumers to be on the look out for fakes following an increase in seizures at the border with a potential retail value in excess of $47 million in 2009 alone.

18 March 2010 - Getting Tougher on Child Sex Offenders
The Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today welcomed the passage of legislation reforming Commonwealth child sex offences, including child sex tourism and online offences.

17 March 2010 - Introduction of the Territories Law Reform Bill
The Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today announced the introduction of the Territories Law Reform Bill into Parliament.

15 March 2010 - Minister Welcomes New ACT Chief Police Officer
Minister for Home Affairs today congratulated Assistant Commissioner Roman Quaedvlieg on his appointment as the new ACT Chief Police Officer.

14 March 2010 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command has successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.

12 March 2010 - Border Protection Command Boards Vessel
Border Protection Command has provided assistance to a vessel 200 nautical miles west of the Tiwi Islands. The people on board the vessel are safe and have indicated that they wish to come to Australia.

11 March 2010 - Border Protection Command Rescues 27 People
Border Protection Command has provided assistance to a vessel 118 nautical miles north west of the Tiwi Islands. Border Protection Command (BPC) reached the vessel this morning and the people have now been safely transferred to HMAS Glenelg.

10 March 2010 - Reform of Working with Children Checks
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today welcomed the passage of the Crimes Amendment (Working With Children - Criminal History) Bill 2009.

10 March 2010 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.

7 March 2010 - Border Protection Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.

6 March 2010 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.

4 March 2010 - 55,000-Plus Submissions Received on R18+ Classification for Computer Games
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today welcomed the more than 55,000 submissions received in response to the R18+ Classification for Computer Games Discussion Paper.

3 March 2010 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.

1 March 2010 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.

1 March 2010 - Fresh Faces and New Hope for Missing Australians
The Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Brendan O’Connor MP, today launched Australia’s first poster featuring age-enhanced images of long-term missing persons, aiming to bring renewed hope to Australian families.

26 February 2010 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command overnight successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.

26 February 2010 - Ban on Tablet Presses Comes into Effect
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today welcomed the commencement of legislation prohibiting the importation of tablet presses into Australia.

24 February 2010 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.

24 February 2010 - Minister Opens 2nd Malaysia-Australia Working Group on People Smuggling
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today opened the second meeting of the Malaysia-Australia Working Group on People Smuggling and Trafficking in Persons.

23 February 2010 - Environmental Crime Conference targets Illegal Logging and Fishing
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan Connor, has welcomed a regional conference on environmental crime and anti-money laundering, which is being held in Wollongong until the 26th of February.

23 February 2010 - Audit Report Highlights Successes in Combating Illegal Foreign Fishing
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today welcomed the release of the Australian National Audit Office report on Illegal Foreign Fishing in Australia’s Northern Waters, which concludes that overall Customs and Border Protection has effectively managed and coordinated enforcement operations.

20 February 2010 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.

19 February 2010 - Helping Parents Protect Kids on the Internet
The Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today launched the Australia-wide rollout of the ThinkUKnow program to educate parents, carers and teachers about how to create a safe online experience for the nation’s youth.

18 February 2010 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.

18 February 2010 - New Data Centre to Aid in Fight Against Illicit Drugs
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today launched the first Australian Illicit Drug Data Centre (AIDDC) in Sydney, NSW.

18 February 2010 - Report Shows Significant Declines in Detainee Drug Use
The Australian Institute of Criminology’s (AIC) annual Drug Use Monitoring in Australia (DUMA) report has revealed a significant decline in the use of methamphetamines and other illicit drug types among police detainees

12 February 2010 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.

9 February 2010 - Strengthening Aviation Security
The Australian Government has today announced a comprehensive package of measures to strengthen Australia's international and domestic aviation security regime against emerging threats.

9 February 2010 - Truss and Keenan Continue Coalition Blunders
Today’s joint media release by the Shadow Minister for Trade, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Warren Truss, and Shadow Minister for Justice and Customs Michael Keenan, which criticises the government’s latest steps to strengthen Australia’s aviation security, contains so many falsehoods and blunders that it can’t go unchallenged.

9 February 2010 - Minister Congratulates New Commander of Border Protection Command
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today congratulated Royal Australian Navy Commodore Tim Barrett on his promotion to Rear Admiral and appointment to Commander of Border Protection Command.

7 February 2010 - Border Protection Command Rescues 45 People
Yesterday afternoon Border Protection Command received a request from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) to assist with a safety of life at sea matter approximately 91 nautical miles south south west of Christmas Island.

4 February 2010 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.

4 February 2010 - Reforms to Child Sex Offences Introduced
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O'Connor, today introduced into Parliament reforms to strengthen Commonwealth child sexual exploitation laws.

2 February 2010 - Pre-cursor drug destruction in Cambodia
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today praised the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for their support and commitment to international policing efforts with the destruction of 15 tonnes of Safrole Oil in Cambodia.

1 February 2010 - Suspected Irregular Entry Vessel Boarded
Border Protection Command has this evening boarded a suspected irregular entry vessel in the vicinity of Christmas Island.

29 January 2010 - AFP Commander Achieves Significant Results in Timor-Leste
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor today welcomed the comments from the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste His Excellency Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, who has acknowledged the significant contribution of AFP Commander Grant Edwards as he completes his role as Head of the Timor-Leste Police Development Program (TLPDP).

29 January 2010 - Smartgate Makes Travel Easier for One Million
Customs and Border Protection has reached a significant milestone in the operation of its self-processing option for travellers, SmartGate.

28 January 2010 - Agency Integration Imrpoving Border Security
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor said today that Australia’s border management community had proven itself to be more integrated and better coordinated since the presentation of the National Security Statement in 2008.

27 January 2009 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command yesterday successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.

24 January 2010 - Massive Increase in the Seizure of Illigal Lasers
Close to 6,000 laser pointers have been seized over the past six months, the Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, announced today.

23 January 2009 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command has successfully intercepted two suspected irregular entry vessels.

22 January 2010 - Drug Arrests Highlight Benefits of Cooperation
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today congratulated Australian law enforcement agencies for disrupting an alleged organised crime syndicate.

21 January 2010 - Minister to Launch a Safer New Year for Gawler
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, and the Member for Wakefield, Nick Champion, today launched the Town of Gawler’s $75,000 CCTV installation in Gawler City Centre project, funded under the Australian Government’s Safer Suburbs Plan.

8 January 2010 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.

4 January 2010 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command yesterday successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.

3 January 2010 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command this morning successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.

1 January 2010 - Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.