Border Security in the Australia’s Torres Strait Receives a Boost

Border security in the Torres Strait has received a boost today with the official opening of the government’s most northerly facility on Saibai Island.

Located just four kilometers from Papua New Guinea, the Customs facility on Saibai Island will be Customs frontline defence against illegal arrivals, foreign fishing and a range of other border incursions.

Customs Regional Director Queensland, Christine Marsden-Smedley, said that the facility had been established in response to community concerns and would enable an increased Customs presence in the region.

“The facility will ensure that border security remains a priority in the Torres Strait,” Ms Marden-Smedley said.

“The facility will be used by a range of state and federal agencies, including police, immigration, and fisheries, in a whole-of-government effort to ensure island communities in the region enjoy the security that comes with the presence and activities of these officers.”

“Until now, Saibai and the outer islands have been serviced by officers based at Customs House on Thursday Island,” Ms Marsden-Smedley said.

“This new facility will provide a safe and secure place from which government officials can conduct enforcement tasks on and around these islands.

“It will enable an enhanced presence of Commonwealth officers close to our critical border with PNG,” she said.

Customs patrol vessels and Coastwatch aircraft, including two helicopters, also regularly patrol the Torres Strait.

Twenty Customs officers are based on Thursday Island and assisted by four Torres Strait Customs officers on other islands.

The opening coincides with the resumption of cross-border patrols from this week.

The patrols involve officers from both Australian and PNG border agencies and are also an important part of making sure Australia’s northern borders are protected.

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