Australia's new border force represents a quantum leap forward in national security, according to the agency's first commissioner.
Roman Quaedvlieg was sworn in to his new role at a Parliament House ceremony in Canberra on Wednesday along with deputies and assistant commissioners.
"Our utopia, our country is under constant threat," Mr Quaedvlieg said.
"Today marks a quantum leap forward in the border enforcement architecture of this country."
The immigration department and customs have been integrated into a single department.
The Australian Border Force has been set up within the department and replaces Customs.
It draws together the operational border, investigations, compliance, detention and enforcement functions of the two existing agencies.
Mr Quaedvlieg said he has unwavering confidence in his team as they undertake their mission to counter those "who would seek to exploit our prosperity and wealth for criminal gain".
Prime Minister Tony Abbott hailed the ceremony as a historic day, saying the agency ushered in a new era of disciplined service.
"You are guardians of our safety, our security and our prosperity," he said.
"Behind our borders is our sanctuary."
But border protection does not end with stopping the boats or protecting our citizens from terrorism, Mr Abbott said.
Immigration Minister Peter Dutton reflected on his own service as a former police officer in Queensland and said he understood the sacrifices of enforcement officers on the frontline.
"I also understand the great sense of pride that comes with wearing the uniform," he said.
Mr Quaedvlieg told reporters after the ceremony he would be drawing on his three decades of experience in policing.
Asked about his commitment to transparency he said that while it was important, operational security was "paramount".
"I don't intend to stray from the current position in relation to operation security," he said.
While the ceremony was under way, thousands of customs and immigration department staff who are members of the Community and Public Sector Union began two hours of nationwide strike action over conditions and pay.
The move is expected to cause delays and disruptions at airports and sea ports.
Mr Quaedvlieg denied the industrial action had compromised national security and maintained there was good faith between workers and management during enterprise bargaining negotiations.
The union had given advanced notice of the action and contingency plans had been put in place.
"I have no issue with the taking of protected industrial action by the workforce," he said.
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