The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) has today welcomed the announcement of $150 million for additional Australian Border Force (ABF) staff to work in compliance, investigations, removal and surveillance functions.
The union, which represents ABF staff, had raised safety concerns following the High Court decision regarding indefinite detention. Union members have been concerned about the impact on staff safety and workloads as the Department manages these changes.
The $150 million ABF funding boost is part of a $255 million package announced by the government for both Australian Border Force and the Australian Federal Police.
Quotes attributable to Melissa Donnelly, CPSU National Secretary:
“Earlier this month, our union raised safety concerns with the Department regarding the recent High Court decision regarding indefinite detention, and the consequences this could have for our members in Border Force.
“We are pleased to see that the Department took those concerns seriously and has moved to ensure that Border Force will be adequately staffed to respond to the increased demand.
“The announcement of $150 million for additional Australian Border Force staff is one that will be very welcome by our members in the ABF.
“This boost will not only provide additional staff to work on the frontline but will ensure that the work they do is done in a safer way.
“There are ongoing staffing and operational pressures across the Department of Home Affairs, and the CPSU will continue to advocate for these to be addressed.
