MEDIA FACT SHEET - Australian Customs Service

MEDIA FACT SHEET
Saturday, 22 June 2013
Enhanced integrity measures within Customs and Border Protection
The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) has introduced a range of
measures to strengthen its defences against the potential for corruption and serious
misconduct and to respond to management, compliance and cultural issues identified in the
Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity’s (ACLEI) interim report. These
include:
Introduced in February 2013:
targeted integrity testing of officers suspected of corruption or serious misconduct
random drug and alcohol testing of ACBPS officers
the power for the CEO to make a determination that an officer has been terminated
for serious misconduct
mandatory reporting of corruption and serious misconduct which makes it a legal
requirement for officers to report concerns
an Integrity Support and Referral Network within the Service to provide support and
advice on options to all officers regarding their mandatory reporting obligations, and
as another avenue to report concerns regarding corruption and serious misconduct.
March 2013:
an Integrity Management Review of the professional standards function within the
Service. This internal review has been completed and the CEO will soon consider
action that needs to be taken as result of this review
the formation of the Integrity, Security and Assurance (ISA) Division within the
Service to strengthen our integrity and security culture and practices.
Other Service-wide reforms in progress:
a tougher Organisational Suitability Assessment (OSA) regime to better detect and
deal with officers with criminal associations pre- and post-employment
more rigorous Australian Public Service Code of Conduct investigations where the
Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity brings to the CEO’s attention
evidence of misconduct or breaches of duty by officers obtained by ACLEI during
their investigations that does not amount to corrupt conduct but warrants the
initiation of disciplinary proceedings.
Reforms in international airports:
As announced today (June 22) by the Minister for Home Affairs, ACBPS is also introducing
a range of reforms at international airports across the country. These include:
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a ban on personal mobile device use (including mobile phones) in sensitive
operational areas of international airports
rotation of officers between different work teams
tighter control over access to staff rosters to reduce the potential for corrupt officers
to plan activities at certain times or to conduct unapproved ‘shift swaps’
the introduction of integrity and corruption awareness sessions for officers at all
airports
increased monitoring of unscheduled and unauthorised absences, and of the
attendance of officers in the workplace when not rostered to work
new rules for the processing of passengers known to officers. Specific guidance and
instructions have been provided to officers on interacting with any travellers known
to them during the course of their duties.
tighter restriction of access to ACBPS airport control rooms and the introduction of
audits of access records
launch of a training program for front-line supervisors with a focus on integrity,
leadership and professional standards
regular inspection of uniforms and official notebooks to ensure a high degree of
professional standards are being maintained in all areas and there is compliance
with relevant guidelines and rules in these areas.
Media enquiries:
Customs and Border Protection Media (02) 6275 6793