Australian Border Force

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The Australian Border Force (ABF) is a federal law enforcement agency in Australia, part of the Department of Home Affairs. It protects the country’s borders by enforcing customs, immigration and related laws, and by conducting investigations, detention operations and border security.

Formation and role
The ABF was created on 1 July 2015 by merging the former Australian Customs and Border Protection Service with immigration detention and compliance functions. The Commissioner leads the ABF and also serves as the Comptroller-General of Customs.

What it does
- Checks people and goods at airports, seaports and on ships
- Investigates border-related crimes and enforces customs and immigration laws
- Manages immigration detention facilities in Australia and offshore processing arrangements in Nauru
- Conducts coast guard and maritime border protection duties as part of the Maritime Border Command
- Works to prevent security threats, people smuggling and other illegal activities

Structure, locations and operations
The ABF has about 6,000 staff working across around 70 locations nationwide. It includes a Marine Unit for maritime work and a Counter Terrorism Unit at major international airports. The force operates under two administrative groups and two operational groups led by senior ABF officers.

Powers and training
ABF officers enforce laws under the Customs Act 1901 and the Migration Act 1958, giving them powers to arrest, search and detain in certain circumstances. Training lasts about 12 months, and officers must obtain and maintain security clearances. Some officers are armed for specific duties, such as at airports and on the coast.

Technology and risk management
ABF uses data analytics to monitor people and goods entering or leaving Australia. It runs watch lists (like CMAL, PAL and DAL) and collects Passenger Name Record data from airlines to assess risk.

In short, the ABF works to keep Australia’s borders secure while facilitating lawful travel and trade.