Australian Border Force (ABF)

On 1 July 2015, the functions of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) and the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service were integrated into a new Department. The Australian Border Force (ABF) was established as the new front-line operational agency within the Department reflecting a greater focus by the Australian government on the border as a strategic national asset.  The integrated arrangements build on recent border protection reforms and the long history of the two organisations working closely together.


The Australian Border Force brought together all existing operational border, investigations, compliance, detention (facilities and centres) and enforcement functions. Policy, regulatory and corporate support for the Australian Border Force are delivered by the Department.


The ABF have significant service and enforcement functions, including:

• facilitating the lawful passage of people and goods;
• investigations, compliance and enforcement in relation to illicit goods and immigration malpractice; and
• onshore detention, removals and support to regional processing arrangements.