A Queensland MP has expressed concerns about how voluntary redundancies across the Home Affairs Department could impact efforts to tackle illegal fishing incursions in the Torres Strait.
The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed it has invited eligible employees to express their interest in voluntary redundancies (VR), in an effort to manage its budget.
“The process is open to all eligible APS and Executive Level staff across the Department and Australian Border Force,” a Home Affairs spokesperson said.
“The decision to implement a VR program is not connected to any one issue but rather is one component of the Department’s broader workforce and budget management.
“Decisions such as rolling out a VR program are not taken lightly but are in line with our responsibility to operate within fiscal parameters set by the government, while ensuring our ability to deliver critical functions across national security and border security are not impacted.”
Queensland's state Member for Cook, which encompasses the Torres Strait, said he wasn’t aware of the decision, and it had left him “gobsmacked” to find out through the media.
“[The Federal Government] needs to consult widely with Torres Strait Islanders, they need to include the Torres Strait Regional Authority, the local councils and they need to talk to our Minister Tony Perrett,” said David Kempton.
“[That way] we’re aware of the implications of this move in terms of biosecurity, personal security and national security."
The Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC), which oversees constituents on 15 outer island communities in the region, said while it could not comment on federal matters it was not concerned.
“We're confident that any decision the government takes will not affect its ability to protect Australia's north-eastern border surrounding the Torres Strait,” a TSIRC spokesperson said.
NITV has also contacted the federal Member for Leichardt, Matt Smith, and the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) for comment.
Threat of illegal border incursions continues
The news of the redundancies comes as agencies in the Torres Strait continue to defend the border against illegal fishers.
In January, the Federal Government announced Operation Broadstaff, a multi-agency operation to target illegal fishing in the Torres Strait.
Mr Kempton said it was Torres Strait Islanders who originally demanded the government do something about the incursions.
“[The Federal Government] understand the risk, because they brought in Operation Broadstaff,” he said.
“But now to turn around and deplete the staff of Border Force in the region, if that's what they're intending to do, it’s just beggar's belief - it doesn't make sense.”
The Australian Border Force said it has intercepted 22 illegal foreign fishing vessels and seized more than 6 tonnes of sea cucumber since the start of January.
In a media release on Wednesday Acting Deputy Commander Maritime Border Command Brooke Dewar said the Torres Strait could be assured that ABF was resolute in its response to illegal fishing.
“Anyone who attempts to fish illegally in Australian waters will be detected, intercepted and held accountable,” she said.
A spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs said not all staff who express interest in a voluntary redundancy will be granted one.
“Decision makers will carefully assess the role and function of each requesting staff member and in consultation with relevant internal stakeholders, ensure that the impact on delivery of core functions is a key consideration,” a spokesperson for the Department said.
