The new Border Force boss says he will "relentlessly" pursue officers who let their integrity standards drop.
Michael Outram was sworn in as ABF commissioner on Monday, replacing Roman Quaedvlieg, who was sacked after improperly helping his partner get a job.
The new commissioner outlined his plan to improve operations, with a stronger intelligence focus.
"We will also continue to relentlessly seek to identify and appropriately deal with any person in our organisation whose standard of integrity or behaviour falls beneath that required of an ABF officer," Mr Outram told ABF staff on Monday.
The new commissioner, who arrived in Australia in 2002 after a career with the Metropolitan Police in London, said the agency would tackle illegal tobacco, human trafficking and slavery in product supply chains.
Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton said the ABF had a bright future under Mr Outram.
"There have been difficulties over the course of the last 12 months and we acknowledge all of that but Mike Outram has demonstrated the leadership required in an acting capacity over the last year," Mr Dutton told reporters.
Mr Quaedvlieg was suspended on full pay for 10 months over the allegations he helped his partner get a job at Sydney Airport.
He was also found to have made a "false statement" to Mr Dutton about his personal relationships and failed to disclose a significant change in his personal life.
Last week, Mr Quaedvlieg said Mr Outram was an "excellent choice" as his replacement.
"I support his appointment unconditionally and I am confident, and also comforted, that the Australian borders will continue to be well secured with him at the helm," he told AAP.
"I'm sure that he will continue the professionalisation of the ABF under his leadership."
