The anti-terrorism protection force at some of Australia’s key military bases is to be slashed, as the Defence Department struggles to find budget savings. Australian Protective Service officers will be taken off guard duty at Victoria Barracks in Melbourne, Sydney’s Holsworthy Barracks, the navy’s Garden Island base and the army’s officer training college at Duntroon … Continue reading
Federal police have arrested five ‘major’ alleged people smugglers operating in Australia. Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Steve Lancaster made the announcement on Thursday after a series of raids across the country. The AFP has described it as Australia’s largest ever people smuggling strike. Mr Lancaster says four of the five people – three Afghans, … Continue reading
Australian opposition party leader Tony Abbott‘s plan to buy boats from Indonesian fishermen to prevent the vessels being used by people smugglers has been slammed by Jakarta as unfriendly and an insult to Indonesia. The buyback plan has met with heavy resistance in Jakarta, with a senior member of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono‘s ruling Coalition … Continue reading
An asylum seeker who arrived at Christmas Island last year was wanted in Egypt for premeditated murder, possession of weapons and explosives and destruction of property. The unnamed man was initially held at the low security Inverbrackie detention facility in South Australia. He was moved to a secure facility in Sydney on April 17, some … Continue reading
In a star-studded field of dysfunctional federal government departments it is difficult to nominate the standout performer. Customs and Border Protection is beset with serious corruption and a declining ability to check incoming cargo for illegal firearms and drugs. The Australian Crime Commission apparently sees more danger in performance-enhancing supplements than illegal drugs, suburban gunbattles … Continue reading
The Minister for Home Affairs, Bob Debus, today announced the appointment of Roger Beale AO to conduct a Federal Audit of Police Capabilities in line with the Government’s election commitment. “The Australian Federal Police have had to meet increasing demands in recent years and it’s important we take a comprehensive look at its resources and … Continue reading