SENATOR JOHN FAULKNER
Minister for Defence
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
038/10
Minister for Defence visits Darwin
The Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner, today visited Border Protection
Command in Darwin and observed a boarding exercise for crews of the Armidale
Class Patrol Boat.
“It’s great to be back in Darwin to visit the Australian Defence Force men and women
who every day with their Customs colleagues in Border Protection Command (BPC),
ensure our maritime borders are secure,” Senator Faulkner commented.
Commander BPC Rear Admiral Timothy Barrett and Acting Commander Northern
Command (NORCOM), Captain Tony O'Malley, briefed the Minister on current border
protection and security issues.
The Minister also saw, first hand, the practices and procedures employed in border
security operations. On HMAS Glenelg Senator Faulkner was briefed by Captain
Vaughn Rixon on boarding training, then viewed a demonstration of a Navy boarding
on a training vessel in Darwin harbour.
“The Navy boarding party proved effective and efficient and reflected the
commendable work that goes on behind the scenes in the command of border
protection operations,” Senator Faulkner said.
Senator Faulkner also took the opportunity to personally thank the people of the ADF
who work hard and sacrifice much to ensure the effectiveness of border security,
including ADF members who were involved in the SIEV 36 incident.
“I would very much like to acknowledge those ADF members who are being
recognised, through Commendations, for their efforts during the SIEV 36 incident.
These men and women have shown exceptional bravery, dedication and
professionalism.”
HQ Northern Command, the Royal Australian Navy’s vessels, Air Force AP-3C Orion
aircraft and the Army Regional Force Surveillance Units work hand-in-hand with their
Customs colleagues to protect Australia’s maritime zones against civil maritime
security threats such as illegal fishing, irregular immigration, smuggling, crime and
piracy at sea, maritime terrorism and quarantine threats.
Media Note:
Imagery of the Minister’s visit is available at:
Media Contact:
Michael Nguyen (Minister Faulkner): 02 6277 7800 or 0429 571 843
Defence Media: 02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
