"Ensuring a secure and thriving Indian Ocean is a collective responsibility"

Maritime Border Command: Securing Australia’s Waters and Strengthening Regional Cooperation

The Maritime Border Command plays a crucial role in safeguarding Australia’s extensive coastline and maritime domain. Its primary focus areas include combating illegal fishing, preventing contraband smuggling, and tackling people smuggling through an intelligence-driven approach.

In an exclusive interview, Australian Border Force Commander and Deputy Commander of the Joint Agency Task Force Operation Sovereign Borders, Mark Whitechurch, discusses the expanding cooperation with Bangladesh, solidified by a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration aims to address shared maritime threats and uphold a rules-based Indo-Pacific through training, intelligence sharing, and regional stability efforts.

Priorities of Maritime Border Command in Countering People Smuggling

Mark Whitechurch:
Maritime Border Command, operating within the Australian Border Force, functions as Australia’s coast guard. Our responsibilities span over 30,000 kilometers of coastline and cover nearly 11% of the world’s oceans for search and rescue operations.

With a majority of Australians living within 50 kilometers of the coast, the connection to the ocean is deeply ingrained in our society. Our mission is to secure Australia’s waters, ensuring the safety of both our territory and citizens. Given the vast maritime area we oversee, our approach is intelligence-led, addressing complex security challenges efficiently.

Our key priorities include:

1. Combating Illegal Fishing: Protecting Australia’s rich marine resources.

2. Preventing Contraband Smuggling: Stopping the influx of narcotics and illicit goods.

3. Countering People Smuggling: Disrupting criminal networks that exploit vulnerable individuals.

The United Nations reports over 122 million displaced people globally, with many seeking economic stability through migration. My role involves safeguarding these individuals from human trafficking. People smugglers exploit desperate individuals for profit, often resulting in harrowing cases of abuse and life-threatening journeys.

Australia has a generous humanitarian visa program but enforces a firm no-settlement policy for unauthorized arrivals by boat. This policy disrupts the smugglers' business model, reducing exploitation and preventing dangerous sea crossings that have led to numerous fatalities.

Australia-Bangladesh Maritime Security Cooperation

The Australia-Bangladesh partnership is steadily growing, building on Australia’s longstanding engagement with Bangladesh. Australia was among the first nations to recognize Bangladesh’s independence and continues to foster strong bilateral ties.

In the past year, high-level ministerial visits between both nations resulted in the signing of a Civil Maritime Security MoU. This agreement:

• Enhances cooperation in maritime security to combat threats.

• Formalizes intelligence sharing and structured information exchange.

• Facilitates training programs to enhance operational capabilities.

Through joint training sessions in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, maritime professionals have strengthened expertise in maritime domain awareness and investigative techniques. These initiatives reflect our shared commitment to a safe and secure Indian Ocean.

Addressing People Smuggling and Promoting Safe Migration

Under the Australia-Bangladesh partnership, safe and legal migration pathways are emphasized. Our annual senior officials’ talks ensure migration policies benefit both nations.

Key efforts include:

• Promoting legal migration via official government channels.

• Raising awareness about irregular migration risks.

• Strengthening intelligence-sharing mechanisms to counter human trafficking.

Currently, over 65,000 Bangladeshi-born individuals reside in Australia, contributing significantly to the economy and society. Additionally, 14,000+ Bangladeshi students are pursuing education in Australia, further strengthening bilateral ties.

The MoU plays a vital role in combating irregular migration by facilitating:

• Enhanced intelligence sharing.

• Threat assessments for maritime security.

• Capacity-building initiatives with Bangladesh’s Navy, Coast Guard, Special Branch, MoFA, and MoHA.

By disrupting smuggling networks, we reduce exploitation risks and foster safe migration practices.

Strengthening Stability and Security in the Indian Ocean

The Indo-Pacific region serves as a shared domain for Australia and Bangladesh. Ensuring a rules-based maritime order is in the mutual interest of all regional stakeholders.

Key objectives include:

• Enhancing regional security cooperation.

• Ensuring open and fair access to maritime resources.

• Safeguarding vital trade routes and economic opportunities.

A secure Indian Ocean benefits all neighboring nations, ensuring equitable resource distribution and economic prosperity.

Adapting to Evolving Maritime Threats

To counter emerging threats, Australia and Bangladesh rely on real-time intelligence sharing and ongoing dialogue. Criminal organizations constantly adapt their strategies, requiring collaborative efforts to stay ahead.

This partnership is long-term and strategic, focusing on:

• Continuous threat analysis and intelligence updates.

• Strengthening civil maritime security measures.

• Developing coordinated responses to criminal activities.

By maintaining consistent engagement, we ensure adaptive security frameworks that protect maritime interests.

Australia’s Security Priorities and Global Alliances

QUAD and Regional Security
International partnerships, such as QUAD, shape Australia’s security priorities. We engage in transparent discussions with partners to align strategies and address common challenges.

While geopolitical interests may differ, Australia values constructive dialogue to find areas of commonality and foster regional stability.

Australia’s Stance on Maritime Rules and Global Security

On China’s Presence in the Indo-Pacific:
Australia upholds the rule of law and adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). We expect all nations to operate within established international norms to ensure maritime stability.

On US-Australia Relations Amid Political Changes:
Australia’s alliance with the United States remains strong, built on shared values and trust. While political shifts may occur, our strategic partnership remains resilient, ensuring continued cooperation in security and defense.

This structured collaboration between Australia and Bangladesh strengthens regional security, disrupts illicit networks, and fosters safe maritime practices, contributing to a stable and rules-based Indo-Pacific order.