Australian Border Force
Opinion
Tips & advice
Passenger anger over new ‘improved’ SmartGates at Australian airports
Border Force claims the new SmartGates have made things quicker, but that’s not my experience or those of our readers. But at least one positive change is coming.
- by Michael Gebicki
Latest
Anonymous tip leads police to discover 900kg meth imported into Sydney
A Sydney man is facing life in prison after methamphetamine with a street value of $828 million was found hidden in industrial machinery imported from the United States.
- by Jessica McSweeney and Nick Newling
Updated
Crime
Fifty raids across Perth as alleged $10 million illegal tobacco business busted
Nine people have been arrested and charged after a joint investigation allegedly unearthed a lucrative illegal tobacco business operating in WA.
- by Rebecca Peppiatt
‘No deterrent if no consequences’: Opposition wants people smugglers charged here
Coalition home affairs spokesman James Paterson says Australia should reserve the right to prosecute people smugglers when they’re caught here.
- by Angus Thompson
Exclusive
Investigations
Fire danger and bits from Bunnings: $50m border boats beset with problems
Insiders claim Australian Border Force’s Cape-class boats are plagued with dangerous issues. An investigation has revealed one was out of action when a people-smuggling vessel landed in Western Australia.
- by Nick McKenzie, Zach Hope, Garry McNab and Amilia Rosa
Exclusive
Border security
People smugglers arrested, given free pass to help hunt bosses
An Indonesian people smuggler has revealed how he was caught by Australian authorities only to be released and sent home without charge.
- by Zach Hope, Amilia Rosa and Nick McKenzie
Minister admits there are no detainee drones
Immigration Minister Andrew Giles made the sensational statement in an interview on Thursday during a bruising week for the government over immigration.
- by Angus Thompson and Olivia Ireland
Exclusive
Federal budget
Mothballing Nauru’s detention centre could save $250 million in a year
Home Affairs expects the centre to move from an “active state” to “enduring capability” – empty but operated by a skeleton staff.
- by Olivia Ireland, James Massola and Angus Thompson
Exclusive
Asylum seekers
Third boat arrival detected in a week, but no one taken to Nauru
Four Vietnamese asylum seekers intercepted by Border Force off the coast of Broome last week were detained after 38 people from two other boats were also picked up.
- by Angus Thompson and James Massola
People-smuggling boat carrying Chinese stopped en route to Australia
The group was discovered near the city of Kupang, and believed to be heading to Australia.
- by Zach Hope and Karuni Rompies
Perspective
Brisbane Airport
It’s time to bin Australia’s intrusive Incoming Passenger Cards
Australia is one of the few developed nations in the world still using paper arrivals cards, even for its own citizens. It can be an intimidating experience.
- by Cameron Atfield
Original URL: https://www.watoday.com.au/topic/australian-border-force-1lza