RETIRING Australian Border Force (ABF) Commissioner, Michael Outram told the National Press Club on 16 October that his replacement, former Australian Defence Force Chief of Defence Intelligence, Gavan Reynolds was following a tradition set hundreds of years before British colonisation.
Mr Outram said First Nations people sanctioned the annual harvest of sea slugs by Macassan fishermen, who arrived in traditional wooden boats and gave traded goods in return.
“Today, these fishing grounds form part of Australia’s sovereign territory, highlighting the historical and contemporary connections between borders and culture and its relevance to the work of the ABF, particularly our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander officers.”
Mr Reynolds will step into the role on Sunday 10 November with a wealth of experience behind him.
His career has included a number of strategic and operational posts including as Australian Military Representative to NATO and the European Union, Head of Military Strategic Commitments in the Department of Defence and deployment to Afghanistan as part of the International Security Assistance Force.
The ABF was established in 2015, playing a leading role in protecting Australia’s border while enabling legitimate travel and trade. As part of the Home Affairs portfolio, the ABF works closely with other agencies to ensure the security of Australia’s maritime environment and its borders.
A media release from the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, said Mr Reynolds was well equipped to lead ABF through the current complex operating environment and meet the challenges of the future.
Mr Reynolds said: “It is a privilege to lead the Australian Border Force and the dedicated people protecting the national asset that is our border. I look forward to working closely with the Department of Home Affairs and across Government to deliver prosperity, security and unity for Australia.”
