May 31, 2023
The Australian Defence Force has been called in to provide additional support to Operation Sovereign Borders as Australia faces the highest operational tempo on our borders in nearly a decade.
Chief of the Defence Force General Angus Campbell confirmed at Senate Estimates today that Defence assets, including vessels and maritime surveillance aircraft, are under increasing pressure to support Operation Sovereign Borders after the Department of Home Affairs confirmed last week the Australian Border Force was facing the highest operational tempo in years.
Due to the changes in Labor's border protection settings, Defence is now required to provide five patrol boats and three warships to support Operation Sovereign Borders, up from five patrol boats and one large-hulled vessel required under the previous government.
Since Labor was elected, 8 boats and 209 people have attempted to reach Australia by sea.
In February, the Albanese government confirmed it would end the use of Temporary Protection Visas – a key pillar to Operation Sovereign Borders.
In the most dangerous strategic environment since World War II, the ADF is now being required to devote more resources than previously required towards border protection because the Albanese Labor Government has watered down Australia’s successful border protection policies.
