International transport is vital to Australia's trade and tourism, along with the need to balance the efficient movement of people and goods across Australia's border.
The Australian Government has established a clear, transparent and consistent process to help ensure that border services (biosecurity, immigration and customs control) are available at ports when they are required.
Port operators seeking to introduce international services at an port where no border services are provided, or where there is a change to an existing business model that impacts on border services capabilities, need to apply to the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.
Port operators are advised they are responsible for costs associated with relevant infrastructure and facilities required to support international services. This includes any costs associated with establishing a border services capability at the port incurred by the Australian Government.
Proposals will be assessed to determine whether they are in the national interest. The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts coordinates advice to the Australian Government on proposals in consultation with the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and other relevant agencies.
Port operators are encouraged to contact the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts early in the development of a proposal at: Ports@infrastructure.gov.au.
Further detail on applying for the provision of border services is available in the document Applying for the provision of border services at new and redeveloping international ports PDF: 196 KB.
Review of the new and redeveloping international ports framework
The Aviation White Paper committed to a review of the new and redeveloping international ports framework in the first half of 2025. The Department of Infrastructure, in consultation with relevant Commonwealth agencies, is leading the review and seeking stakeholder feedback until 9 February 2025. If you would like to contribute to the review please contact internationalaviation@infrastructure.gov.au.