Kevin Andrews (Menzies, Liberal Party, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship) Share this | Hansard source

in reply—I thank members for their contributions to the second reading debate on the Migration Amendment (Border Integrity) Bill 2006. Australia has the most effective and comprehensive entry system in the world, basing its success on its multilayered nature. Advanced passenger processing, a universal visa system and verification at the border that noncitizens have valid visas are aspects of this multilayered approach. The measures contained in this bill seek to further strengthen this multilayered system and maintain Australia’s position at the forefront of border control technology and initiatives.

The proposed amendments are designed to allow holders of an eligible e-passport to be immigration cleared by the automated border processing system, SmartGate. Eligible persons can choose whether to use SmartGate or to be processed by a clearance officer. SmartGate takes advantage of a new passport technology and facial recognition technology to improve the way in which passengers’ identities are verified. These new processes will help to combat identity fraud and act as a deterrent to the use of forged or stolen passports. Furthermore, automated clearance at the border will allow greater volumes of passengers to be processed and decreased passenger processing time while enhancing the integrity of border processing.

The proposed amendments will also enable New Zealand citizens who hold an e-passport to be granted a special category visa using the automated system without the need for a clearance officer to be present. New Zealand citizens who do not hold an e-passport will continue to be processed and granted special category visas by a clearance officer.

A number of false claims were made during the debate. Firstly, I would like to reassure members that SmartGate has been independently tested and has been proven to be successful in a border processing environment. Customs trialled the SmartGate system at Sydney and Melbourne international airports over a three-year period. During this trial all SmartGate transactions were monitored and the results were continuously analysed and used to improve the technology. Independent field evaluations conducted by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation proved SmartGate to be highly accurate for identity verification purposes. A technical analysis report of SmartGate prepared by Dr James Wayman and Dr Tony Mansfield of the United Kingdom Biometrics Working Group concluded that SmartGate streamlined the customs and immigration process for users and maintained the integrity of the border.

It is important to note that, whilst SmartGate has the capability to identify false and fraudulent documents, it is not a stand-alone system. SmartGate is part of a much larger border protection approach that enables the border agencies to protect the border while at the same time facilitating legitimate border crossings for the vast majority of travellers. SmartGate facilitates legitimate travel and complements several other mechanisms in place targeting illegitimate activity.

The bill also proposes an amendment to special purpose visas. Special purpose visas are distinct from other visas as there is no visa application process and the visa is granted by operation of the law. They facilitate the lawful travel to and entry into Australia of certain groups of travellers such as crew members of non-military ships, airline crew, guests of government and, recently, athletes participating in the Commonwealth Games.

Despite holders of special purpose visas coming from low-risk groups, there are occasions where it is appropriate to seize a person’s special purpose visa. Most commonly, this is in relation to foreign sea crew who may be considered at risk of deserting a vessel in Australia, or where there is a character or health concern. The minister can declare that a person’s special purpose visa has ceased or that a special purpose visa should not be granted to a person. Currently, the minister’s declaration has effect only at the end of the day on which the declaration is made. The proposed amendments will allow the minister to declare what time the declaration comes into effect and consequently enable the department to better manage the special purpose visa client base. The measures proposed in this bill are designed to further strengthen the integrity of Australia’s borders whilst also improving the efficiency of the immigration processes and administration.

Finally, I would like to reply to the comments made by the member for Canning, who was the previous speaker in this debate. The member for Canning commented on the need to fill in passenger cards, particularly when returning to Australia. The information contained on those passenger cards is important for a number of purposes. It is important particularly for New Zealand citizens. It is important in terms of the declaration which a person makes when filling in that card—for example, disclosing whether or not there has been previous criminal or illegal activity. It is also important for a much broader purpose than simply immigration, as the data is collected by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and is then used by various government agencies within Australia. These agencies use the data for planning their programs and even for the allocation of resources in some instances. It is important data that is collected, and we are grateful, if I may say so, to passengers coming into Australia for their forbearance in filling in the passenger cards. The passenger cards help us in Australia to carry out a range of other activities in a way which we might not be able to do if we did not have that data. I commend the bill to the House.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

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