An Australian Border Force (ABF) vessel recently docked in Broome, Western Australia, carrying four fishing boats. This event has raised concerns about a federal program that reportedly provides fishing boats to illegal foreign crews. Sources indicate that these boats are given to illegal fishers and asylum seekers intercepted in Australian waters as a means of safely returning them home. Additionally, the boats are utilized for training and surveillance purposes by the agency.

Since 2020, more than 1,000 illegal foreign fishing boats have been intercepted in the northern waters of Western Australia, with nearly 300 of those occurring in the last financial year. The ABF, responsible for patrolling these waters, has been acquiring fishing boats from various locations across Australia for the past two years. The ABF vessel Ocean Shield arrived in Broome this week, displaying four boats on its deck. Notably, identifying features such as names and numbers had been removed from the boats. One of the boats has been recognized within the local fishing community as the Rosna, a former West Australian fishing vessel that was recently up for sale.

The Ocean Shield departed from Kwinana on October 29, with a destination listed as "to sea." This marks the first instance of the ABF operation being observed in Broome, although industry insiders report that it has been well established in Darwin.

Grant Barker, who operates five wetline fishing boats in Broome and Darwin, stated that some members of the northern fishing industry have been aware of the government's strategy to replace boats. While he has not seen the repurposed boats in action, he has observed fishing vessels being refurbished at Darwin Port. Barker described the refurbishment process, noting that it involves making the boats safe by adding lights, navigational equipment, life rafts, and seating.

"This doesn't sit very well with me, and it shouldn't sit well with the Australian taxpayer," Barker said. He expressed concern that the government is effectively providing illegal fishermen and people smugglers with superior vessels to return individuals who violate the law back to Indonesia. He criticized the program as disingenuous and poor policy, stating, "It makes no sense … it beggars belief."

The boats acquired under this program typically range in value from $150,000 to $250,000 and are standard commercial fishing vessels. Images of the boats reveal modifications such as added shade and seating on the deck. Previously, these boats were used for crayfishing and line fishing in Western Australia, but it is believed that boats have also been purchased from other states.

In a related incident last year, a vessel identified as the former Geraldton cray boat Caprice was involved in a situation where 44 men, primarily from Bangladesh, were intercepted by Border Force while attempting to reach Australia. Indonesian authorities reported that the men claimed ABF officers provided them with two boats equipped with supplies and trained them on how to operate them before sending them back to Indonesia.

Australian agencies typically destroy boats found illegally in Australian waters but have a responsibility to ensure that lives are not endangered. When multiple boats are intercepted, one vessel may be destroyed if another is deemed safe enough to carry all crew members. Sources suggest that surveying a boat in Australia would help ensure that the vessels used for returns are seaworthy.

Opinions within the fishing industry vary regarding the implications of providing a boat in good working order to illegal fishers. Some, like Barker, argue that it empowers illegal fishers to extract more resources from Australian waters, while others believe that the costs associated with operating these former Australian fishing boats would be prohibitive for illegal fishers.

Barker expressed frustration over what he perceives as a lack of cooperation among agencies such as Border Force, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), and the navy. He recalled a system established during John Howard's administration in the early 2000s, where Border Force or the navy would intercept vessels, remove individuals on board, and call local fishers to tow the illegal boats back to Broome or Darwin for destruction.

"That is the way to fix it; every single boat that is apprehended, be it illegal fishing or people smuggling, should be destroyed," Barker stated. The ABF has not responded to inquiries regarding the program or its operations.