Strap yourselves in, pals. Because this one is an absolute doozy.
Australian Border Force issued a press release earlier today announcing the launch of what it calls “Operation Fortitude” – an “inter-agency operation” to be conducted on the streets of Melbourne tonight, and tomorrow evening.
The agencies the ABF will be teaming with are Victoria Police, the Sheriff’s Office, Yarra Trams, Metro Trains, and the Taxi Services Commission.
They will be performing checks on peoples visas, and will stop literally anyone they encounter in the street. Their focus, they say, will be “people travelling to, from, and around the CBD.” Or, in other words, everyone.
The purpose of this operation – again, that the AUSTRALIAN BORDER FORCE is undertaking – is to target “everything from anti-social behaviour to outstanding warrants.” And will be doing so in the “best interests of Melburnians.”
Don Smith, the ABF Regional Commander for Victoria and Tasmania, made it very clear what the Inter-Agency Outfit is doing.
“While the ABF regularly conducts a range of compliance field-work, this is the first time we’ve been involved in an inter-agency operation of this nature and we’re very proud be able to support each of our organisations to achieve our common mission of promoting a secure and cohesive society here in Melbourne.”
“ABF officers will be positioned at various locations around the CBD speaking with any individual we cross paths with. You need to be aware of the conditions of your visa; if you commit visa fraud you should know it’s only a matter of time before you’re caught out.”
Beyond this weekend, the agency will continue to exist and conduct work within the Melbourne CBD.
Just to reiterate here, the Australian Border Force will be teaming up with Melbourne’s Public Transport Officers and others to conduct on-the-spot ID and visas checks on literally any goddamned person they feel like, and all you have to do to be subjected to one is simply be in the CBD at any time.
Not a single word of that is false.
Photo: Stefan Postles via Getty Images.
