Go away Australian Border Force

[bluecat*dancing]

One of the many reasons that I love Melbourne. Your Blue Shirts are not welcome here, Mr Abbott.

http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/australian-border-force-to-patrol-melbourne-cb...

[jean2579]

Didn't any sensible person in any of these offices ask the question at the meeting where this was decided, "Does anyone else think that this is a dumb idea, or even legal". 

It turns out that only the Vic Police had the authority. 

How were the officers from the train, tram companies and the taxi council have any legal authority to stop anyone?

The border force authority on a public street was also apparently questionable.

The whole thing reeks of a Dads Army movie.

[the_great_she_elephant]

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@jean2579 wrote:

Didn't any sensible person in any of these offices ask the question at the meeting where this was decided, "Does anyone else think that this is a dumb idea, or even legal". 

It turns out that only the Vic Police had the authority. 

How were the officers from the train, tram companies and the taxi council have any legal authority to stop anyone?

The border force authority on a public street was also apparently questionable.

The whole thing reeks of a Dads Army movie.

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I suspect it was another "Captain's pick".

[j*oono]

I think it reeks of a whole lot worse than Dads Army Jean.  

[amber-eyed-girl]

Does that mean I need my passport in the city now?

are your papers in order...

[debra9275 · Accepted solution]

I don't think I've ever seen anything quite so ridiculous Blue, Melburnians have voiced their opinion about it loud and clear

[tasfleur]

The whole thing sends a cold shiver through me ... history shows the consequences of that kind of behaviour  loud and clear;  there is no place for it in a democracy (or anywhere else for that matter) in my opinion.

[raptor_rebooted]

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@amber-eyed-girl wrote:

Does that mean I need my passport in the city now?

are your papers in order...

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i dont get it....why would you?

Earlier on Friday, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten questioned why Operation Fortitude was announced to the media ahead of the blitz, however he said Labor supports efforts to target crime.

"I do hope that any of these actions are done to try and protect Australian laws, to make sure that people are not overstaying their visas, to make sure that temporary guest workers are not being exploited," he said.

Asked if he thought the blitz would damage Melbourne's reputation internationally, he said "No".

28-08-2015 -

The Australian Border Force (ABF) will not be ‘stopping people at random’ in Melbourne to ‘check people’s papers’ as reported in media this morning regarding Operation Fortitude.

As stated in this morning’s press release, the ABF will be assisting in a joint operation led by Victoria Police in Melbourne this weekend.

To be clear:

• This is a joint agency operation led by Victoria Police. 
• The ABF will assist other agencies in this operation by conducting background visa checks on individuals who are referred to us by Victoria Police and other agencies.
• The ABF is but one of eight agencies assisting in this operation.
• The ABF does not and will not stop people at random in the streets and does not target on the basis of race, religion, or ethnicity.
• Joint operations of this type are common and were previously conducted by Departmental immigration officers.

ABF activity will occur at only two of the numerous locations where Operation Fortitude will be carried out in the Melbourne CBD this weekend.

[raptor_rebooted]

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@tasfleur wrote:

The whole thing sends a cold shiver through me ... history shows the consequences of that kind of behaviour  loud and clear;  there is no place for it in a democracy (or anywhere else for that matter) in my opinion.

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what kind of behaviour ??

[tasfleur]

Behaviour that stops someone at random on the street to ask for identity  "papers".

I would have no problem with a police officer asking me for my license etc under certain circumstances where they are looking for a suspect, or being pulled over for a breath test etc ... but a so called "border force" ... no!