Australian Border Force - Border Watch Update - October 2024

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) has received advice from the Australian Border Force (ABF) in relation to updates to the Border Watch program.

We are contacting you to provide some important information about updates to the Border Watch program.

Information received through Border Watch is an integral part of keeping Australia safe. Your information has directly contributed to a range of outcomes including successful interdictions of illicit drugs, dangerous prohibited weapons, illicit tobacco, foreign fishing vessels and wildlife smuggling attempts.

In response to a recent review, Border Watch will now be managed centrally which will result in changes to the way we connect. We appreciate your patience as we develop this new operating model.

The centralised management approach does mean that regional coordinator roles in each state no longer exist and that Border Watch regional mailboxes will no longer be monitored.

Information can still be submitted online at borderwatch.gov.au or abf.gov.au/borderwatch and for imminent issues you can continue to call our 24/7 hotline on 1800 06 1800.

Whichever reporting method you choose, the information you provide will continue to be received directly by Border Watch, recorded and referred to the appropriate area and handled in accordance with the Information Protection Statement that can be found on our webpage.

The distribution of materials such as bulletins, indicator sheets and Border Watch presentations will be incorporated into the ABF's existing industry engagement events, programs and activities.

Under the new arrangements, we will continue to explore ways to connect and engage with you and enhance the way the Border Watch program is delivered, as we truly value and appreciate our strong and longstanding partnerships.