Movements with Australian Passport

Question

Senator PATERSON: On that, is it a matter for the Department of Home Affairs if someone crosses an international border not controlled by Australia? Ms Veneros: If they're leaving an Australian border, that is something that fits within the Department of Home Affairs's responsibilities. Senator PATERSON: Granted-absolutely. But that may not be the only border that they cross; they may cross other borders in their journeys, and, obviously, Home Affairs doesn't have oversight of that. Ms Veneros: We don't monitor people's movements once they've been issued a passport. But, if matters were brought to our attention, we would investigate those matters. Senator PATERSON: So it kind of relies on a complaint or a report or some other kind of thing. You don't have a proactive policy of assessing whether this is being adhered to? Ms Veneros: It requires a complaint or some form of intelligence. We may receive information from another country, for example, where a concern's raised. Senator PATERSON: How often do you receive that kind of intelligence? Is it common or uncommon? Ms Veneros: I'd have to take that question on notice. We do work with our law enforcement agencies and with our national security agencies, and we do work with other countries on passport related matters, in particular. Senator PATERSON: If you are taking that on notice and you can specify how many times it was raised or investigated in aggregate over the last couple of years, that would be helpful. Do you also rely on media reports? If something comes to the department's attention from media coverage, is that a reason to investigate? Ms Veneros: It depends on the nature of the concern that's being raised. Senator PATERSON: So 'potentially' is the answer, or sometimes you might? Ms Veneros: Potentially, yes.

Answer

Please see attached answer.

Documents

• Question with answer (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
• QoN 176.pdf (opens in a new tab)