Australian Border Force’s use of statutory powers

01/03/2017

Law reform and public affairs

The Australian National Audit Office has released its assessment of the Australian Border Force’s use of statutory powers. The audit asked: Is there an effective accountability and reporting framework for the lawful exercise of powers? Do Border Force officers have adequate knowledge of their powers and how to use them? The ANAO found, among other things, "instances of potentially unlawful searches and failure to comply with instructions under both the Customs Act and Migration Act, which indicate current internal controls for mitigating the risk of unlawful or inappropriate use of coercive powers are inadequate". View the report here.