Keeping Australians safe

The Government has delivered over half a billion dollars over five years in additional funding to the Australian Federal Police, the largest funding boost for domestic policing capabilities in a decade.

The Government is equipping the AFP with new capabilities to help police fast-track investigations and target priority areas such as terrorism, criminal gangs, organised crime and fraud.

The Government is committed to ensuring the AFP has every resource and capability necessary to protect Australians and our way of life.

The Government’s effective border protection policies have secured Australia’s borders.

It has been more than 1,000 days since the last people smuggling boat reached Australia.

Before Operation Sovereign Borders, Australia saw more than 50,000 illegal maritime arrivals on more than 800 people smuggling boats, more than 8,000 children in detention and tragically, at least 1,200 deaths at sea.

People smugglers remain determined to breach our borders, as shown by the 30 boats we have turned back. The Turnbull Government will ensure they do not succeed.

The Government is continuing to keep Australia’s borders safe through a funding boost for high volume biometric matching, which builds on last year’s investment in visa risk assessment capability. This will enable better detection of individuals who may present a risk to community safety.

Citizenship requirements will also be strengthened with a renewed focus on Australian values.

Changes include higher English language attainment, increased residency periods, and a stronger, more meaningful citizenship test.