From the CEO

The past two months were somewhat difficult but highly satisfying for Customs.

Customs officers in Darwin, with the help and support of officers from throughout Australia, completed the initial phase of a major operation to assist the people of East Timor.

When the Customs National Director, Border Division, Les Jones called for volunteer officers from other regions of Australia to work in Darwin, in preparation for this operation he was overwhelmed by the response.

The local officers and volunteers worked tirelessly to cope with the massive increase in workload brought about by the need to process refugees, troops and a vast quantity of aid goods. People and cargo movements increased almost overnight with Darwin airport coping with an additional 300 flights a week. Approximately 2000 East Timorese refugees were processed in Darwin during October, along with a large number of United Nations workers, in the first wave of evacuations from Dili. There were also thousands of international aid workers and military personnel to be processed.

In this time of crisis, Customs officers needed to balance processing requirements with the human element of attending to the refugees' immediate physical and emotional needs.

Many people from other agencies, commented on Customs efficiency and 'can do' attitude.
I was particularly pleased with comments from the Northern Territory Police Commander, Mark McAdie. Mr McAdie was responsible for

the operation's overall coordination and command and believes the key to its success was cooperation between a range of government agencies. The operation is proof that Customs officers are trained to travel anywhere in Australia at very short notice to meet any emergency.

October also highlighted Customs key role in the Government's tax reform program. This issue contains an article on tax reform information and training packages developed by Customs and planned for delivery to the trading community this year and early next year. The packages will assist the trading community meet their obligations under the new system and help smooth the transition to The New Tax System.

Another article describes the Coastwatch improvement program and reports on progress with expanded operations to deter people-smuggling rackets and how a four-year $124 million program to enhance Coastwatch's capabilities will benefit Australians.

Other articles show Customs key role in Australian federation, and look at the extension of the innovative Customs and University of Canberra public sector education program.

On the international front there are articles on the new Oceania Customs group and Customs work at international trade facilitation forums. We also take a comprehensive look at Customs organisations work to speed Australia-New Zealand trade and look at the broad roles of Customs overseas representatives.

Lionel Woodward
Chief Executive Officer
Australian Customs Service