Australian Border Force

The Australian Border Force (ABF) is a federal law enforcement agency, part of the Department of Home Affairs, responsible for offshore and onshore border control, investigations, compliance, immigration detention and customs enforcement in Australia. The agency is also responsible for security screening at international ports of entry, including airports and seaports. Through the Marine Unit, the ABF performs coast guard and maritime law enforcement duties and is a component of the Maritime Border Command. The ABF forms part of the larger National Intelligence Community and is an active member of the World Customs Organization. The ABF was formed under the Australian Border Force Act 2015 with broadened legislative powers, including the introduction of sworn officers. A new uniform was introduced, and following the transition, there was an increase in the number of officers authorised to carry firearms. As of 2016, approximately 15% of the Force is firearms trained, which will increase by 2020 to no less than 25%.