Thank you for the opportunity to provide an opening statement.
Firstly, I would like to thank the approximately 1000 Maritime Border Command and Operation Sovereign Borders personnel from around Australia that support the security of our maritime border. While often not visible to the public, these personnel are united in their dedication to protecting Australia's maritime domain and the integrity of our border, often serving in very challenging conditions in support of our mission.
The geopolitical landscape is growing increasingly complex. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimates 122 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide at the end of June 2024, double that seen just a decade ago. This number will likely continue to rise, and in turn Australia's borders will continue to be tested by vulnerable persons sold a dangerous lie by criminal people smugglers.
Despite these challenges, we remain successful in our mission to protect the integrity of our border and prevent the loss of lives at sea. During 2024, Operation Sovereign Borders successfully detected, intercepted, and resolved 16 maritime people smuggling ventures targeting Australia. They did not settle here. Under Operation Sovereign Borders, there is no irregular maritime pathway to permanent settlement in Australia.
It is my job as the Commander of Maritime Border Command, Joint Task Force 639 and the Joint Agency Task Force Operation Sovereign Borders, to resolve all operations in a manner that is both safe and legal. The safety of all persons involved in an OSB operation is always my foremost concern. I can assure the committee and the Australian public that all OSB operations under my command are undertaken with the highest regard for the safety of all officers, crew, and all persons involved. Furthermore, I always ensure that we are complying with domestic law, and upholding its international legal obligations, including in relation to non-refoulement.
The success of this mission relies on a robust approach to information management in the context of operational security. People smugglers monitor and exploit any release of information to deceive vulnerable persons into risking their lives attempting a dangerous voyage. It is my responsibility as Commander, to protect people and mission. It is with this responsibility in mind that all Commanders of the Joint Agency Task Force since 2013 have approached the release of information to the public.
These founding protocols to information management are designed to balance the Australian public's right to know while managing the risk of people smugglers weaponising the same information - placing people and mission at risk. The protocols are consistent with what would be expected in any complex operation such as ours, particularly as it relates to diplomatic law enforcement and security aspects.
We will continue to deliver the mission we are charged with fulfilling, as we have successfully done for the last 11 years.
