The head of Australian Border Force says he has no concerns that the Chinese operators of the Port of Darwin will be aware of boats coming and going during at-sea operations.
Roman Quaedvlieg and Immigration Minister Peter Dutton were in Darwin on Thursday to announce that the ABF will have a permanent base at East Arm Wharf in the Port of Darwin after two years of operating on an "ad hoc" basis, waiting for berths to become available at Stokes Hill Wharf.
They say that slowed down operations.
Mr Quaedvlieg said ABF would follow standard reporting protocols as boats enter and leave the port, and said there were no security issues associated with Chinese port operators Landbridge knowing of their movements.
He said he was confident that East Arm was the most secure location for the facility.
"Our concerns are maritime sovereignty, maritime security, and yes, we operate using classified operation but I have absolutely no concerns about operational security," he told reporters.
The new facility is expected to be fully operational by February, and will allow the ABF to replenish and rotate crews and vessels on patrol.
"We know that threats are still there, not only from people smugglers but also from people who would seek to bring in illicit products including amphetamines, ice, weapons, other contraband into our country and it's absolutely necessary that we keep vigilant in keeping our borders protected," Mr Dutton said.
"It's a strategic location for us and it's important that we can stare down the threats."
The government will spend $4 million on preparing the base for use.
