Skip to content

About the Department

Portfolio Budget 2000-01 - Fact Sheet 1

Budget Fact Sheet 1: Government Acts to Stop Illegal Arrivals

Additional resources of .7 million over four years, announced in the 2000-01 Budget for measures to further combat the number of people entering the country illegally, build on a range of initiatives already being implemented by the Government.

This package will include .6 million to the Immigration and Multicultural Affairs portfolio, .1 million to Attorney'General's and

Portfolio Budget 2000-01 - Fact Sheet 1

Budget Fact Sheet 1: Government Acts to Stop Illegal Arrivals

Additional resources of .7 million over four years, announced in the 2000-01 Budget for measures to further combat the number of people entering the country illegally, build on a range of initiatives already being implemented by the Government.

This package will include .6 million to the Immigration and Multicultural Affairs portfolio, .1 million to Attorney'General's and

Portfolio Budget 2000-01 - Fact Sheet 1

Budget Fact Sheet 1: Government Acts to Stop Illegal Arrivals

Additional resources of .7 million over four years, announced in the 2000-01 Budget for measures to further combat the number of people entering the country illegally, build on a range of initiatives already being implemented by the Government.

This package will include .6 million to the Immigration and Multicultural Affairs portfolio, .1 million to Attorney'General's and

Portfolio Budget 2000-01 - Fact Sheet 1

Budget Fact Sheet 1: Government Acts to Stop Illegal Arrivals

Additional resources of .7 million over four years, announced in the 2000-01 Budget for measures to further combat the number of people entering the country illegally, build on a range of initiatives already being implemented by the Government.

This package will include .6 million to the Immigration and Multicultural Affairs portfolio, .1 million to Attorney'General's and

Portfolio Budget 2000-01 - Fact Sheet 1

Budget Fact Sheet 1: Government Acts to Stop Illegal Arrivals

Additional resources of .7 million over four years, announced in the 2000-01 Budget for measures to further combat the number of people entering the country illegally, build on a range of initiatives already being implemented by the Government.

This package will include .6 million to the Immigration and Multicultural Affairs portfolio, .1 million to Attorney'General's and

Portfolio Budget 2000-01 - Fact Sheet 1

Budget Fact Sheet 1: Government Acts to Stop Illegal Arrivals

Additional resources of .7 million over four years, announced in the 2000-01 Budget for measures to further combat the number of people entering the country illegally, build on a range of initiatives already being implemented by the Government.

This package will include .6 million to the Immigration and Multicultural Affairs portfolio, .1 million to Attorney'General's and

Portfolio Budget 2000-01 - Fact Sheet 1

Budget Fact Sheet 1: Government Acts to Stop Illegal Arrivals

Additional resources of .7 million over four years, announced in the 2000-01 Budget for measures to further combat the number of people entering the country illegally, build on a range of initiatives already being implemented by the Government.

This package will include .6 million to the Immigration and Multicultural Affairs portfolio, .1 million to Attorney'General's and

Portfolio Budget 2000-01 - Fact Sheet 1

Budget Fact Sheet 1: Government Acts to Stop Illegal Arrivals

Additional resources of .7 million over four years, announced in the 2000-01 Budget for measures to further combat the number of people entering the country illegally, build on a range of initiatives already being implemented by the Government.

This package will include .6 million to the Immigration and Multicultural Affairs portfolio, .1 million to Attorney'General's and

Portfolio Budget 2000-01 - Fact Sheet 1

Budget Fact Sheet 1: Government Acts to Stop Illegal Arrivals

Additional resources of .7 million over four years, announced in the 2000-01 Budget for measures to further combat the number of people entering the country illegally, build on a range of initiatives already being implemented by the Government.

This package will include .6 million to the Immigration and Multicultural Affairs portfolio, .1 million to Attorney'General's and

Portfolio Budget 2000-01 - Fact Sheet 1

Budget Fact Sheet 1: Government Acts to Stop Illegal Arrivals

Additional resources of $64.7 million over four years, announced in the 2000-01 Budget for measures to further combat the number of people entering the country illegally, build on a range of initiatives already being implemented by the Government.

This package will include $47.6 million to the Immigration and Multicultural Affairs portfolio, $16.1 million to Attorney'General's and $1 million to the Family and Community Services portfolio.

The Budget initiatives include a range of domestic and international measures that recognises people smuggling as a global problem that needs a coordinated international approach.

Importantly, the measures also recognise the importance of addressing the social and economic problems faced by the countries from where most illegal entrants originate.

2000-01 Budget initiatives

The 2000-01 Budget initiatives to be introduced by the Immigration and Multicultural Affairs portfolio include:

  • an additional $12.4 million over four years for the placement of additional immigration compliance officers, initially in Islamabad, Belgrade, Moscow, Amman, Tehran, Suva and Cairo, to combat document and identity fraud and people smuggling. This will expand Australia's network of compliance officers already based throughout the Middle East and Asia;

  • $3.1 million over four years for the expansion of DIMIA's capacity to place airline liaison officers at strategic transit points on routes to Australia;

  • $2 million in 2000-01 to develop a pilot program for the use of targeted reintegration assistance for unauthorised arrivals returned to their home country. The pilot will provide assistance to countries that accept the return of unauthorised arrivals;

  • an additional $5.3 million over four years to speed up humanitarian processing, and the allocation of more offshore resources to work with host governments and the UNHCR to shorten the time taken for checks associated with protection visa assessments;

  • the provision of over $5 million per year for targeted aid contributions and resettlement support to build a coordinated international approach to a long-term solution for Afghan and Iraqi refugees, including:

    • the development, in conjunction with transit countries, of a package of technical cooperation;

    • seeking the agreement of first-asylum and key transit countries to prevent further dispersal of displaced people who require effective protection until repatriation or other solutions become available;

    • encouraging the development of a program for the processing of claims of asylum in first-asylum and transit countries by the UNHCR for Afghan and Iraqi asylum seekers; and

    • improving arrangements for the removal from Australia of people whose claims to protection have been unsuccessful.

  • DIMIA, in conjunction with the Australian Agency for International Development, (AUSAID) the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Customs Service, will develop, in cooperation with transit countries, a package of technical and physical assistance to border control agencies, including:

  • the establishment of a new border management cooperation program worth $4 million over four years to strengthen the capacities of government agencies to combat people smuggling;

  • implementing specialised training programs;

  • expanding the material and technical assistance provided to law enforcement agencies.

Previous initiatives

The Government is determined to strengthen Australia's response to people who arrive in Australia illegally. In recent months it has:

  • improved Coastwatch, Customs and Navy capabilities to detect pursue, intercept and search boats carrying unauthorised arrivals;

  • prosecuted smugglers and seized, sold or destroyed their boats;

  • introduced harsh penalties of up to 20 years' jail and fines of up to $220,000;

  • developed an Overseas Information Campaign aimed at stopping illegal air and boat arrivals;

  • introduced three-year temporary protection or short-term safe haven visas for illegal entrants;

    • one effect is that they cannot sponsor their families or access many of the benefits available to lawful arrivals; and

  • moved to stop people who already have effective protection overseas from gaining protection in Australia.

The Government considers these and other initiatives are essential if governments are to stop this illegal movement of people which is expected to cost Australia around $300 million in 1999-2000.

9 May 2000

Note: The way that the GST affects Budget estimates, accounting statements and appropriations is described in Budget paper No. 4.

million to the Family and Community Services portfolio.

The Budget initiatives include a range of domestic and international measures that recognises people smuggling as a global problem that needs a coordinated international approach.

Importantly, the measures also recognise the importance of addressing the social and economic problems faced by the countries from where most illegal entrants originate.

2000-01 Budget initiatives

The 2000-01 Budget initiatives to be introduced by the Immigration and Multicultural Affairs portfolio include:

  • an additional .4 million over four years for the placement of additional immigration compliance officers, initially in Islamabad, Belgrade, Moscow, Amman, Tehran, Suva and Cairo, to combat document and identity fraud and people smuggling. This will expand Australia's network of compliance officers already based throughout the Middle East and Asia;

  • .1 million over four years for the expansion of DIMIA's capacity to place airline liaison officers at strategic transit points on routes to Australia;

  • million in 2000-01 to develop a pilot program for the use of targeted reintegration assistance for unauthorised arrivals returned to their home country. The pilot will provide assistance to countries that accept the return of unauthorised arrivals;

  • an additional .3 million over four years to speed up humanitarian processing, and the allocation of more offshore resources to work with host governments and the UNHCR to shorten the time taken for checks associated with protection visa assessments;

  • the provision of over million per year for targeted aid contributions and resettlement support to build a coordinated international approach to a long-term solution for Afghan and Iraqi refugees, including:

    • the development, in conjunction with transit countries, of a package of technical cooperation;

    • seeking the agreement of first-asylum and key transit countries to prevent further dispersal of displaced people who require effective protection until repatriation or other solutions become available;

    • encouraging the development of a program for the processing of claims of asylum in first-asylum and transit countries by the UNHCR for Afghan and Iraqi asylum seekers; and

    • improving arrangements for the removal from Australia of people whose claims to protection have been unsuccessful.

  • DIMIA, in conjunction with the Australian Agency for International Development, (AUSAID) the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Customs Service, will develop, in cooperation with transit countries, a package of technical and physical assistance to border control agencies, including:

  • the establishment of a new border management cooperation program worth million over four years to strengthen the capacities of government agencies to combat people smuggling;

  • implementing specialised training programs;

  • expanding the material and technical assistance provided to law enforcement agencies.

Previous initiatives

The Government is determined to strengthen Australia's response to people who arrive in Australia illegally. In recent months it has:

  • improved Coastwatch, Customs and Navy capabilities to detect pursue, intercept and search boats carrying unauthorised arrivals;

  • prosecuted smugglers and seized, sold or destroyed their boats;

  • introduced harsh penalties of up to 20 years' jail and fines of up to 0,000;

  • developed an Overseas Information Campaign aimed at stopping illegal air and boat arrivals;

  • introduced three-year temporary protection or short-term safe haven visas for illegal entrants;

    • one effect is that they cannot sponsor their families or access many of the benefits available to lawful arrivals; and

  • moved to stop people who already have effective protection overseas from gaining protection in Australia.

The Government considers these and other initiatives are essential if governments are to stop this illegal movement of people which is expected to cost Australia around 0 million in 1999-2000.

9 May 2000

Note: The way that the GST affects Budget estimates, accounting statements and appropriations is described in Budget paper No. 4.

million to the Family and Community Services portfolio.

The Budget initiatives include a range of domestic and international measures that recognises people smuggling as a global problem that needs a coordinated international approach.

Importantly, the measures also recognise the importance of addressing the social and economic problems faced by the countries from where most illegal entrants originate.

2000-01 Budget initiatives

The 2000-01 Budget initiatives to be introduced by the Immigration and Multicultural Affairs portfolio include:

  • an additional .4 million over four years for the placement of additional immigration compliance officers, initially in Islamabad, Belgrade, Moscow, Amman, Tehran, Suva and Cairo, to combat document and identity fraud and people smuggling. This will expand Australia's network of compliance officers already based throughout the Middle East and Asia;

  • .1 million over four years for the expansion of DIMIA's capacity to place airline liaison officers at strategic transit points on routes to Australia;

  • million in 2000-01 to develop a pilot program for the use of targeted reintegration assistance for unauthorised arrivals returned to their home country. The pilot will provide assistance to countries that accept the return of unauthorised arrivals;

  • an additional .3 million over four years to speed up humanitarian processing, and the allocation of more offshore resources to work with host governments and the UNHCR to shorten the time taken for checks associated with protection visa assessments;

  • the provision of over million per year for targeted aid contributions and resettlement support to build a coordinated international approach to a long-term solution for Afghan and Iraqi refugees, including:

    • the development, in conjunction with transit countries, of a package of technical cooperation;

    • seeking the agreement of first-asylum and key transit countries to prevent further dispersal of displaced people who require effective protection until repatriation or other solutions become available;

    • encouraging the development of a program for the processing of claims of asylum in first-asylum and transit countries by the UNHCR for Afghan and Iraqi asylum seekers; and

    • improving arrangements for the removal from Australia of people whose claims to protection have been unsuccessful.

  • DIMIA, in conjunction with the Australian Agency for International Development, (AUSAID) the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Customs Service, will develop, in cooperation with transit countries, a package of technical and physical assistance to border control agencies, including:

  • the establishment of a new border management cooperation program worth million over four years to strengthen the capacities of government agencies to combat people smuggling;

  • implementing specialised training programs;

  • expanding the material and technical assistance provided to law enforcement agencies.

Previous initiatives

The Government is determined to strengthen Australia's response to people who arrive in Australia illegally. In recent months it has:

  • improved Coastwatch, Customs and Navy capabilities to detect pursue, intercept and search boats carrying unauthorised arrivals;

  • prosecuted smugglers and seized, sold or destroyed their boats;

  • introduced harsh penalties of up to 20 years' jail and fines of up to 0,000;

  • developed an Overseas Information Campaign aimed at stopping illegal air and boat arrivals;

  • introduced three-year temporary protection or short-term safe haven visas for illegal entrants;

    • one effect is that they cannot sponsor their families or access many of the benefits available to lawful arrivals; and

  • moved to stop people who already have effective protection overseas from gaining protection in Australia.

The Government considers these and other initiatives are essential if governments are to stop this illegal movement of people which is expected to cost Australia around 0 million in 1999-2000.

9 May 2000

Note: The way that the GST affects Budget estimates, accounting statements and appropriations is described in Budget paper No. 4.

million to the Family and Community Services portfolio.

The Budget initiatives include a range of domestic and international measures that recognises people smuggling as a global problem that needs a coordinated international approach.

Importantly, the measures also recognise the importance of addressing the social and economic problems faced by the countries from where most illegal entrants originate.

2000-01 Budget initiatives

The 2000-01 Budget initiatives to be introduced by the Immigration and Multicultural Affairs portfolio include:

  • an additional .4 million over four years for the placement of additional immigration compliance officers, initially in Islamabad, Belgrade, Moscow, Amman, Tehran, Suva and Cairo, to combat document and identity fraud and people smuggling. This will expand Australia's network of compliance officers already based throughout the Middle East and Asia;

  • .1 million over four years for the expansion of DIMIA's capacity to place airline liaison officers at strategic transit points on routes to Australia;

  • million in 2000-01 to develop a pilot program for the use of targeted reintegration assistance for unauthorised arrivals returned to their home country. The pilot will provide assistance to countries that accept the return of unauthorised arrivals;

  • an additional .3 million over four years to speed up humanitarian processing, and the allocation of more offshore resources to work with host governments and the UNHCR to shorten the time taken for checks associated with protection visa assessments;

  • the provision of over million per year for targeted aid contributions and resettlement support to build a coordinated international approach to a long-term solution for Afghan and Iraqi refugees, including:

    • the development, in conjunction with transit countries, of a package of technical cooperation;

    • seeking the agreement of first-asylum and key transit countries to prevent further dispersal of displaced people who require effective protection until repatriation or other solutions become available;

    • encouraging the development of a program for the processing of claims of asylum in first-asylum and transit countries by the UNHCR for Afghan and Iraqi asylum seekers; and

    • improving arrangements for the removal from Australia of people whose claims to protection have been unsuccessful.

  • DIMIA, in conjunction with the Australian Agency for International Development, (AUSAID) the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Customs Service, will develop, in cooperation with transit countries, a package of technical and physical assistance to border control agencies, including:

  • the establishment of a new border management cooperation program worth million over four years to strengthen the capacities of government agencies to combat people smuggling;

  • implementing specialised training programs;

  • expanding the material and technical assistance provided to law enforcement agencies.

Previous initiatives

The Government is determined to strengthen Australia's response to people who arrive in Australia illegally. In recent months it has:

  • improved Coastwatch, Customs and Navy capabilities to detect pursue, intercept and search boats carrying unauthorised arrivals;

  • prosecuted smugglers and seized, sold or destroyed their boats;

  • introduced harsh penalties of up to 20 years' jail and fines of up to 0,000;

  • developed an Overseas Information Campaign aimed at stopping illegal air and boat arrivals;

  • introduced three-year temporary protection or short-term safe haven visas for illegal entrants;

    • one effect is that they cannot sponsor their families or access many of the benefits available to lawful arrivals; and

  • moved to stop people who already have effective protection overseas from gaining protection in Australia.

The Government considers these and other initiatives are essential if governments are to stop this illegal movement of people which is expected to cost Australia around 0 million in 1999-2000.

9 May 2000

Note: The way that the GST affects Budget estimates, accounting statements and appropriations is described in Budget paper No. 4.

million to the Family and Community Services portfolio.

The Budget initiatives include a range of domestic and international measures that recognises people smuggling as a global problem that needs a coordinated international approach.

Importantly, the measures also recognise the importance of addressing the social and economic problems faced by the countries from where most illegal entrants originate.

2000-01 Budget initiatives

The 2000-01 Budget initiatives to be introduced by the Immigration and Multicultural Affairs portfolio include:

  • an additional .4 million over four years for the placement of additional immigration compliance officers, initially in Islamabad, Belgrade, Moscow, Amman, Tehran, Suva and Cairo, to combat document and identity fraud and people smuggling. This will expand Australia's network of compliance officers already based throughout the Middle East and Asia;

  • .1 million over four years for the expansion of DIMIA's capacity to place airline liaison officers at strategic transit points on routes to Australia;

  • million in 2000-01 to develop a pilot program for the use of targeted reintegration assistance for unauthorised arrivals returned to their home country. The pilot will provide assistance to countries that accept the return of unauthorised arrivals;

  • an additional .3 million over four years to speed up humanitarian processing, and the allocation of more offshore resources to work with host governments and the UNHCR to shorten the time taken for checks associated with protection visa assessments;

  • the provision of over million per year for targeted aid contributions and resettlement support to build a coordinated international approach to a long-term solution for Afghan and Iraqi refugees, including:

    • the development, in conjunction with transit countries, of a package of technical cooperation;

    • seeking the agreement of first-asylum and key transit countries to prevent further dispersal of displaced people who require effective protection until repatriation or other solutions become available;

    • encouraging the development of a program for the processing of claims of asylum in first-asylum and transit countries by the UNHCR for Afghan and Iraqi asylum seekers; and

    • improving arrangements for the removal from Australia of people whose claims to protection have been unsuccessful.

  • DIMIA, in conjunction with the Australian Agency for International Development, (AUSAID) the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Customs Service, will develop, in cooperation with transit countries, a package of technical and physical assistance to border control agencies, including:

  • the establishment of a new border management cooperation program worth million over four years to strengthen the capacities of government agencies to combat people smuggling;

  • implementing specialised training programs;

  • expanding the material and technical assistance provided to law enforcement agencies.

Previous initiatives

The Government is determined to strengthen Australia's response to people who arrive in Australia illegally. In recent months it has:

  • improved Coastwatch, Customs and Navy capabilities to detect pursue, intercept and search boats carrying unauthorised arrivals;

  • prosecuted smugglers and seized, sold or destroyed their boats;

  • introduced harsh penalties of up to 20 years' jail and fines of up to 0,000;

  • developed an Overseas Information Campaign aimed at stopping illegal air and boat arrivals;

  • introduced three-year temporary protection or short-term safe haven visas for illegal entrants;

    • one effect is that they cannot sponsor their families or access many of the benefits available to lawful arrivals; and

  • moved to stop people who already have effective protection overseas from gaining protection in Australia.

The Government considers these and other initiatives are essential if governments are to stop this illegal movement of people which is expected to cost Australia around 0 million in 1999-2000.

9 May 2000

Note: The way that the GST affects Budget estimates, accounting statements and appropriations is described in Budget paper No. 4.

million to the Family and Community Services portfolio.

The Budget initiatives include a range of domestic and international measures that recognises people smuggling as a global problem that needs a coordinated international approach.

Importantly, the measures also recognise the importance of addressing the social and economic problems faced by the countries from where most illegal entrants originate.

2000-01 Budget initiatives

The 2000-01 Budget initiatives to be introduced by the Immigration and Multicultural Affairs portfolio include:

  • an additional .4 million over four years for the placement of additional immigration compliance officers, initially in Islamabad, Belgrade, Moscow, Amman, Tehran, Suva and Cairo, to combat document and identity fraud and people smuggling. This will expand Australia's network of compliance officers already based throughout the Middle East and Asia;

  • .1 million over four years for the expansion of DIMIA's capacity to place airline liaison officers at strategic transit points on routes to Australia;

  • million in 2000-01 to develop a pilot program for the use of targeted reintegration assistance for unauthorised arrivals returned to their home country. The pilot will provide assistance to countries that accept the return of unauthorised arrivals;

  • an additional .3 million over four years to speed up humanitarian processing, and the allocation of more offshore resources to work with host governments and the UNHCR to shorten the time taken for checks associated with protection visa assessments;

  • the provision of over million per year for targeted aid contributions and resettlement support to build a coordinated international approach to a long-term solution for Afghan and Iraqi refugees, including:

    • the development, in conjunction with transit countries, of a package of technical cooperation;

    • seeking the agreement of first-asylum and key transit countries to prevent further dispersal of displaced people who require effective protection until repatriation or other solutions become available;

    • encouraging the development of a program for the processing of claims of asylum in first-asylum and transit countries by the UNHCR for Afghan and Iraqi asylum seekers; and

    • improving arrangements for the removal from Australia of people whose claims to protection have been unsuccessful.

  • DIMIA, in conjunction with the Australian Agency for International Development, (AUSAID) the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Customs Service, will develop, in cooperation with transit countries, a package of technical and physical assistance to border control agencies, including:

  • the establishment of a new border management cooperation program worth million over four years to strengthen the capacities of government agencies to combat people smuggling;

  • implementing specialised training programs;

  • expanding the material and technical assistance provided to law enforcement agencies.

Previous initiatives

The Government is determined to strengthen Australia's response to people who arrive in Australia illegally. In recent months it has:

  • improved Coastwatch, Customs and Navy capabilities to detect pursue, intercept and search boats carrying unauthorised arrivals;

  • prosecuted smugglers and seized, sold or destroyed their boats;

  • introduced harsh penalties of up to 20 years' jail and fines of up to 0,000;

  • developed an Overseas Information Campaign aimed at stopping illegal air and boat arrivals;

  • introduced three-year temporary protection or short-term safe haven visas for illegal entrants;

    • one effect is that they cannot sponsor their families or access many of the benefits available to lawful arrivals; and

  • moved to stop people who already have effective protection overseas from gaining protection in Australia.

The Government considers these and other initiatives are essential if governments are to stop this illegal movement of people which is expected to cost Australia around 0 million in 1999-2000.

9 May 2000

Note: The way that the GST affects Budget estimates, accounting statements and appropriations is described in Budget paper No. 4.

million to the Family and Community Services portfolio.

The Budget initiatives include a range of domestic and international measures that recognises people smuggling as a global problem that needs a coordinated international approach.

Importantly, the measures also recognise the importance of addressing the social and economic problems faced by the countries from where most illegal entrants originate.

2000-01 Budget initiatives

The 2000-01 Budget initiatives to be introduced by the Immigration and Multicultural Affairs portfolio include:

  • an additional .4 million over four years for the placement of additional immigration compliance officers, initially in Islamabad, Belgrade, Moscow, Amman, Tehran, Suva and Cairo, to combat document and identity fraud and people smuggling. This will expand Australia's network of compliance officers already based throughout the Middle East and Asia;

  • .1 million over four years for the expansion of DIMIA's capacity to place airline liaison officers at strategic transit points on routes to Australia;

  • million in 2000-01 to develop a pilot program for the use of targeted reintegration assistance for unauthorised arrivals returned to their home country. The pilot will provide assistance to countries that accept the return of unauthorised arrivals;

  • an additional .3 million over four years to speed up humanitarian processing, and the allocation of more offshore resources to work with host governments and the UNHCR to shorten the time taken for checks associated with protection visa assessments;

  • the provision of over million per year for targeted aid contributions and resettlement support to build a coordinated international approach to a long-term solution for Afghan and Iraqi refugees, including:

    • the development, in conjunction with transit countries, of a package of technical cooperation;

    • seeking the agreement of first-asylum and key transit countries to prevent further dispersal of displaced people who require effective protection until repatriation or other solutions become available;

    • encouraging the development of a program for the processing of claims of asylum in first-asylum and transit countries by the UNHCR for Afghan and Iraqi asylum seekers; and

    • improving arrangements for the removal from Australia of people whose claims to protection have been unsuccessful.

  • DIMIA, in conjunction with the Australian Agency for International Development, (AUSAID) the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Customs Service, will develop, in cooperation with transit countries, a package of technical and physical assistance to border control agencies, including:

  • the establishment of a new border management cooperation program worth million over four years to strengthen the capacities of government agencies to combat people smuggling;

  • implementing specialised training programs;

  • expanding the material and technical assistance provided to law enforcement agencies.

Previous initiatives

The Government is determined to strengthen Australia's response to people who arrive in Australia illegally. In recent months it has:

  • improved Coastwatch, Customs and Navy capabilities to detect pursue, intercept and search boats carrying unauthorised arrivals;

  • prosecuted smugglers and seized, sold or destroyed their boats;

  • introduced harsh penalties of up to 20 years' jail and fines of up to 0,000;

  • developed an Overseas Information Campaign aimed at stopping illegal air and boat arrivals;

  • introduced three-year temporary protection or short-term safe haven visas for illegal entrants;

    • one effect is that they cannot sponsor their families or access many of the benefits available to lawful arrivals; and

  • moved to stop people who already have effective protection overseas from gaining protection in Australia.

The Government considers these and other initiatives are essential if governments are to stop this illegal movement of people which is expected to cost Australia around 0 million in 1999-2000.

9 May 2000

Note: The way that the GST affects Budget estimates, accounting statements and appropriations is described in Budget paper No. 4.

million to the Family and Community Services portfolio.

The Budget initiatives include a range of domestic and international measures that recognises people smuggling as a global problem that needs a coordinated international approach.

Importantly, the measures also recognise the importance of addressing the social and economic problems faced by the countries from where most illegal entrants originate.

2000-01 Budget initiatives

The 2000-01 Budget initiatives to be introduced by the Immigration and Multicultural Affairs portfolio include:

  • an additional .4 million over four years for the placement of additional immigration compliance officers, initially in Islamabad, Belgrade, Moscow, Amman, Tehran, Suva and Cairo, to combat document and identity fraud and people smuggling. This will expand Australia's network of compliance officers already based throughout the Middle East and Asia;

  • .1 million over four years for the expansion of DIMIA's capacity to place airline liaison officers at strategic transit points on routes to Australia;

  • million in 2000-01 to develop a pilot program for the use of targeted reintegration assistance for unauthorised arrivals returned to their home country. The pilot will provide assistance to countries that accept the return of unauthorised arrivals;

  • an additional .3 million over four years to speed up humanitarian processing, and the allocation of more offshore resources to work with host governments and the UNHCR to shorten the time taken for checks associated with protection visa assessments;

  • the provision of over million per year for targeted aid contributions and resettlement support to build a coordinated international approach to a long-term solution for Afghan and Iraqi refugees, including:

    • the development, in conjunction with transit countries, of a package of technical cooperation;

    • seeking the agreement of first-asylum and key transit countries to prevent further dispersal of displaced people who require effective protection until repatriation or other solutions become available;

    • encouraging the development of a program for the processing of claims of asylum in first-asylum and transit countries by the UNHCR for Afghan and Iraqi asylum seekers; and

    • improving arrangements for the removal from Australia of people whose claims to protection have been unsuccessful.

  • DIMIA, in conjunction with the Australian Agency for International Development, (AUSAID) the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Customs Service, will develop, in cooperation with transit countries, a package of technical and physical assistance to border control agencies, including:

  • the establishment of a new border management cooperation program worth million over four years to strengthen the capacities of government agencies to combat people smuggling;

  • implementing specialised training programs;

  • expanding the material and technical assistance provided to law enforcement agencies.

Previous initiatives

The Government is determined to strengthen Australia's response to people who arrive in Australia illegally. In recent months it has:

  • improved Coastwatch, Customs and Navy capabilities to detect pursue, intercept and search boats carrying unauthorised arrivals;

  • prosecuted smugglers and seized, sold or destroyed their boats;

  • introduced harsh penalties of up to 20 years' jail and fines of up to 0,000;

  • developed an Overseas Information Campaign aimed at stopping illegal air and boat arrivals;

  • introduced three-year temporary protection or short-term safe haven visas for illegal entrants;

    • one effect is that they cannot sponsor their families or access many of the benefits available to lawful arrivals; and

  • moved to stop people who already have effective protection overseas from gaining protection in Australia.

The Government considers these and other initiatives are essential if governments are to stop this illegal movement of people which is expected to cost Australia around 0 million in 1999-2000.

9 May 2000

Note: The way that the GST affects Budget estimates, accounting statements and appropriations is described in Budget paper No. 4.

million to the Family and Community Services portfolio.

The Budget initiatives include a range of domestic and international measures that recognises people smuggling as a global problem that needs a coordinated international approach.

Importantly, the measures also recognise the importance of addressing the social and economic problems faced by the countries from where most illegal entrants originate.

2000-01 Budget initiatives

The 2000-01 Budget initiatives to be introduced by the Immigration and Multicultural Affairs portfolio include:

  • an additional .4 million over four years for the placement of additional immigration compliance officers, initially in Islamabad, Belgrade, Moscow, Amman, Tehran, Suva and Cairo, to combat document and identity fraud and people smuggling. This will expand Australia's network of compliance officers already based throughout the Middle East and Asia;

  • .1 million over four years for the expansion of DIMIA's capacity to place airline liaison officers at strategic transit points on routes to Australia;

  • million in 2000-01 to develop a pilot program for the use of targeted reintegration assistance for unauthorised arrivals returned to their home country. The pilot will provide assistance to countries that accept the return of unauthorised arrivals;

  • an additional .3 million over four years to speed up humanitarian processing, and the allocation of more offshore resources to work with host governments and the UNHCR to shorten the time taken for checks associated with protection visa assessments;

  • the provision of over million per year for targeted aid contributions and resettlement support to build a coordinated international approach to a long-term solution for Afghan and Iraqi refugees, including:

    • the development, in conjunction with transit countries, of a package of technical cooperation;

    • seeking the agreement of first-asylum and key transit countries to prevent further dispersal of displaced people who require effective protection until repatriation or other solutions become available;

    • encouraging the development of a program for the processing of claims of asylum in first-asylum and transit countries by the UNHCR for Afghan and Iraqi asylum seekers; and

    • improving arrangements for the removal from Australia of people whose claims to protection have been unsuccessful.

  • DIMIA, in conjunction with the Australian Agency for International Development, (AUSAID) the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Customs Service, will develop, in cooperation with transit countries, a package of technical and physical assistance to border control agencies, including:

  • the establishment of a new border management cooperation program worth million over four years to strengthen the capacities of government agencies to combat people smuggling;

  • implementing specialised training programs;

  • expanding the material and technical assistance provided to law enforcement agencies.

Previous initiatives

The Government is determined to strengthen Australia's response to people who arrive in Australia illegally. In recent months it has:

  • improved Coastwatch, Customs and Navy capabilities to detect pursue, intercept and search boats carrying unauthorised arrivals;

  • prosecuted smugglers and seized, sold or destroyed their boats;

  • introduced harsh penalties of up to 20 years' jail and fines of up to 0,000;

  • developed an Overseas Information Campaign aimed at stopping illegal air and boat arrivals;

  • introduced three-year temporary protection or short-term safe haven visas for illegal entrants;

    • one effect is that they cannot sponsor their families or access many of the benefits available to lawful arrivals; and

  • moved to stop people who already have effective protection overseas from gaining protection in Australia.

The Government considers these and other initiatives are essential if governments are to stop this illegal movement of people which is expected to cost Australia around 0 million in 1999-2000.

9 May 2000

Note: The way that the GST affects Budget estimates, accounting statements and appropriations is described in Budget paper No. 4.

million to the Family and Community Services portfolio.

The Budget initiatives include a range of domestic and international measures that recognises people smuggling as a global problem that needs a coordinated international approach.

Importantly, the measures also recognise the importance of addressing the social and economic problems faced by the countries from where most illegal entrants originate.

2000-01 Budget initiatives

The 2000-01 Budget initiatives to be introduced by the Immigration and Multicultural Affairs portfolio include:

  • an additional .4 million over four years for the placement of additional immigration compliance officers, initially in Islamabad, Belgrade, Moscow, Amman, Tehran, Suva and Cairo, to combat document and identity fraud and people smuggling. This will expand Australia's network of compliance officers already based throughout the Middle East and Asia;

  • .1 million over four years for the expansion of DIMIA's capacity to place airline liaison officers at strategic transit points on routes to Australia;

  • million in 2000-01 to develop a pilot program for the use of targeted reintegration assistance for unauthorised arrivals returned to their home country. The pilot will provide assistance to countries that accept the return of unauthorised arrivals;

  • an additional .3 million over four years to speed up humanitarian processing, and the allocation of more offshore resources to work with host governments and the UNHCR to shorten the time taken for checks associated with protection visa assessments;

  • the provision of over million per year for targeted aid contributions and resettlement support to build a coordinated international approach to a long-term solution for Afghan and Iraqi refugees, including:

    • the development, in conjunction with transit countries, of a package of technical cooperation;

    • seeking the agreement of first-asylum and key transit countries to prevent further dispersal of displaced people who require effective protection until repatriation or other solutions become available;

    • encouraging the development of a program for the processing of claims of asylum in first-asylum and transit countries by the UNHCR for Afghan and Iraqi asylum seekers; and

    • improving arrangements for the removal from Australia of people whose claims to protection have been unsuccessful.

  • DIMIA, in conjunction with the Australian Agency for International Development, (AUSAID) the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Customs Service, will develop, in cooperation with transit countries, a package of technical and physical assistance to border control agencies, including:

  • the establishment of a new border management cooperation program worth million over four years to strengthen the capacities of government agencies to combat people smuggling;

  • implementing specialised training programs;

  • expanding the material and technical assistance provided to law enforcement agencies.

Previous initiatives

The Government is determined to strengthen Australia's response to people who arrive in Australia illegally. In recent months it has:

  • improved Coastwatch, Customs and Navy capabilities to detect pursue, intercept and search boats carrying unauthorised arrivals;

  • prosecuted smugglers and seized, sold or destroyed their boats;

  • introduced harsh penalties of up to 20 years' jail and fines of up to 0,000;

  • developed an Overseas Information Campaign aimed at stopping illegal air and boat arrivals;

  • introduced three-year temporary protection or short-term safe haven visas for illegal entrants;

    • one effect is that they cannot sponsor their families or access many of the benefits available to lawful arrivals; and

  • moved to stop people who already have effective protection overseas from gaining protection in Australia.

The Government considers these and other initiatives are essential if governments are to stop this illegal movement of people which is expected to cost Australia around 0 million in 1999-2000.

9 May 2000

Note: The way that the GST affects Budget estimates, accounting statements and appropriations is described in Budget paper No. 4.