In response to an “unprecedented” surge in illegal boat arrivals off the Northern Territory coast, the federal government and Australian Border Force are ramping up resources to address the issue. Senior officials, including federal Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, visited the region this week to unveil new surveillance capabilities as part of Operation Lunar.
A key addition to the agency’s arsenal is a hired H135 Airbus helicopter, boasting a range of 250 nautical miles, designed to bolster efforts in monitoring and deterring illegal fishing vessels. Burke highlighted the effectiveness of aerial surveillance, stating, “If you have a flight going overhead, helicopters can provide a clear line of sight, even in challenging terrains like mangroves.”
Operation Lunar aims to replicate the success of a similar initiative off the Western Australian coast, which significantly reduced illegal fishing activities. The acting commander of Operation Lunar, Tracie Griffin, noted that the agency is actively seeking additional funding to enhance its capabilities further. “The resources we deploy will depend on the intelligence we gather and the number of fishers we encounter,” she explained.
As the government navigates rising concerns about border security in the lead-up to the federal election, Burke firmly rejected claims from the Coalition that the borders are “open” under the current Labor administration. “Only three groups claim the borders are open: liberals, nationals, and people smugglers. This messaging is not in the national interest,” he asserted.
The federal Opposition has again pointed to budget cuts as a reason for the increase in foreign boat arrivals, despite assurances from both Border Force and the government that funding has not been reduced. As efforts continue to secure Australia’s northern waters, the focus remains on implementing effective strategies to deter illegal activities and safeguard national interests.
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