#PutOutYourPassports: Aussies slam Border Force farce

Aussies on social media continue to show their indignation after yesterday’s Border Force controversy in Melbourne.

Aussies slam Border Force farce

IN LESS than five hours, the Australian Border Force went from nothing more than a good name for a G.I. Joe parody to a real-life national embarrassment.

Yesterday morning, the force announced a plan to spot-check people’s visas on the streets of Melbourne for the purpose of “targeting crime in and around the CBD to make the city a safer place for everyone.”

Yeah, it didn’t go down well.

Protesters rally and block traffic outside Flinders Street Station against the Australian Border Force's (ABF) Operation Fortitude in Melbourne. (AAP Image/Mal Fairclough)

The controversial announcement led to a public protest outside Flinders St station, while also creating an uproar on social media.

Enough is enough... #BorderForce #Auspol pic.twitter.com/k9LlgOVklk

— Mariam Veiszadeh (@MariamVeiszadeh) August 28, 2015

That has got to be the bungle of the year right? #auspol #borderforce

— PatriciaKarvelas (@PatsKarvelas) August 28, 2015

Was planning a trip to Melbourne, but I don't have a Visa yet. #BorderFarce #auspol

— Shane McNamara (@smaccaroo) August 28, 2015

The Border Force was deemed “fascist” and “a racist disgrace”, with some going as far as to compare the police movement to the Nazi regime.

Later that afternoon, Victoria Police was forced to call off the plan.

“Victoria Police has made a decision not to go ahead with this weekend’s Operation Fortitude,” it wrote on Facebook.

“We understand there has been a high level of community interest and concern which has been taken into consideration when making this decision.

“Victoria Police’s priority is the safety and wellbeing of the whole community and we will continue to work with our partner agencies to achieve this.”

At a press conference earlier today, Tony Abbott responded to the outrage.

“The Australian Border Force does an absolutely outstanding job”, he said.

“The Australian people are extremely grateful for that.”

But evidently, many Aussies are feeling far from “grateful”.

The hashtag #PutOutYourPassports (a la #PutOutYourWallets) has now gained significant traction on Twitter with people taking and posting photos of their passports to reinforce their shared sentiment that random police targeting is not okay.

10 yrs ago I came to Aus. Why am I an 'ex-pat' and those fleeing persecution 'migrants'?#PutOutYourPassports pic.twitter.com/qCIJoah5pg

— Gemma Pitcher (@GemmaDotTravel) August 29, 2015

Take that Abbott!! #PutOutYourPassports #borderforce pic.twitter.com/rgntGjS6mz

— giantroo (@giantroo) August 28, 2015

I love you Melbourne. #PutOutYourPassports pic.twitter.com/TVDcZv9MlO

— Michelle Nicol (@mixhelle) August 28, 2015

#PutOutYourPassports #BorderFarce What's cohesive anyways? pic.twitter.com/N2V8kx0pVj

— Clinton Gray (@ClintonGMelb) August 29, 2015

Of course, the most practical question remains unanswered: who even carries their visas around on a weekend stroll through Melbourne’s CBD?

Twitter: @GavinDFernando