Four years after the Coalition Government established the Home Affairs Portfolio in December 2017, the Morrison Government is continuing to keep Australians safe, safely reopen our international borders, and secure Australia's economic recovery.
Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews said the Morrison Government has ensured the Home Affairs Portfolio can effectively anticipate, prevent, prepare, respond and adapt to emerging issues, while delivering critical services for all Australians.
"Throughout the pandemic, Home Affairs has continued to keep Australians safe, and as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, it will continue to be at the forefront of our economic recovery," Minister Andrews said.
"We have prepared for the re-opening of our international borders; working with our international partners to implement safe travel arrangements for inward and outbound travelers, including key cohorts - like skilled migrants - that will help to secure our economic recovery.
"We have facilitated more than 27 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines across the border, and more than 36,000 doses of COVID-19 treatments; supported significant increases in cyber security for all Australians; and safeguarded our values, principles and way of life from hostile foreign states and actors.
"In an uncertain world, subject to changing geo-political realities, the work of Home Affairs is vital to the long-term safety and security of all Australians."
The Home Affairs Portfolio is a global leader in the fight against child exploitation, modern slavery, human trafficking, people smuggling, and transnational organised crime; with the Australian Federal Police and Federal Bureau of Investigations' Operation Ironside resulting in more than 300 alleged serious and organised criminals charged and more than $50 million in proceeds of crime seized.
"Australians can trust that Home Affairs will continue to ensure the safety, prosperity and unity of our society," Minister Andrews said.
To mark the fourth anniversary of the Portfolio, its achievements will be published in Home Affairs: The Fourth Year which will be made publically available soon on the Department of Home Affairs website.
