Implementation review of ACLEI oversight of Australian customs and border protection service
Jason Clare
posted Wednesday, 22 February 2012
Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Justice Jason Clare announced that the first year of the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity’s (ACLEI) oversight of the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service would be reviewed.
The review will examine the work ACLEI has been doing with the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) since it was brought under its jurisdiction on 1 January 2011.
The role of ACLEI is to detect, disrupt and deter potential corruption in Federal law enforcement agencies.
ACLEI was established in 2007 to deal with corruption issues in the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Crime Commission and the former National Crime Authority. The ACPBS is a new responsibility.
“I have commissioned this review to ensure ACLEI is implementing this new responsibility effectively and is properly equipped to discharge this crucial function,” Mr Clare said.
“There is no place for corruption and crime in our public service.
“Organised criminals target public officials because of the nature of their work. That’s why we have to ensure our law enforcement agencies are as corruption resistant as possible.
“Bringing the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service under ACLEI’s jurisdiction has been a significant expansion of ACLEI’s responsibilities.
“ACLEI and ACPBS have worked very closely over the past 12 months to build a partnership to detect, disrupt and deter corruption. After a year of operation, it is important to examine progress and consider improvements.”
The Implementation Review will be undertaken by former senior public servant Mr Peter Hamburger PSM.
It will examine and report on:
1) The effectiveness of the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity’s (ACLEI) current operating arrangements for its Customs and Border Protection jurisdiction, including:
· Management of investigations;
· Use and allocation of resources; and
· Agency relations and communications.
2) ACLEI’s current and expected resource requirements for detecting, disrupting and deterring possible corrupt conduct within Customs and Border Protection.
3) The effect on Customs and Border Protection’s internal anti-corruption arrangements.
The review forms part of the Australian Government’s response to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity’s report into the operation of the Law Enforcement Integrity Commissioner Act 2006.
The review will commence in March and will report to the Government by the end of April.
Tags: Border Protection, Customs, Justice, Law