Australian Department of Home Affairs

An update from Deputy Secretary, Hamish Hansford, following this evening’s National Coordination Mechanism meeting relating to the CrowdStrike technical incident.

To celebrate #NAIDOCWeek, Department of Home Affairs and Australian Border Force staff from across the country took part in an array of events and activities to listen, learn and engage with First Nations peoples, history and culture. Staff eagerly and thoughtfully took part in weaving and local Aboriginal language workshops, the 20th Annual NAIDOC Touch Football Carnival, cultural awareness workshops, morning teas and BBQs, trivia, and artwork creation workshops, just to name a few of the many activities available. Staff expressed appreciation for the opportunity to listen and learn from local Custodians, Aboriginal Cultural Advisors, First Nations staff, and other First Nations community members. The theme, ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud’, is a reminder to all, of the deep connection to Country and unyielding spirit, empowering First Nations peoples and communities to stand tall and celebrate culture openly and unapologetically. We are proud to promote and celebrate NAIDOC Week as an organisation, and to be actively creating a culturally safe and inclusive workplace that celebrates the contributions of First Nations peoples and supports their cultural responsibilities in their communities. To learn more about NAIDOC Week, visit: www.naidoc.org.au

Are you a migrant worker? Are you being underpaid? Is your employer pressuring you to work more hours than allowed by your visa? Are you being harassed? These are all examples of exploitation – and there are many more. From 1 July 2024, new laws target employers exploiting temporary migrant workers. Read more about different types of workplace exploitation at https://lnkd.in/g8xagP7U.

Looking for a new opportunity at the APS6 level working towards building a secure Australia that is prosperous, open and united? This might be your moment! We are currently seeking candidates with a passion for public service and a commitment to integrity to apply for a merit pool at the APS6 level across all states and territories in Australia (except NT) to fill existing and upcoming vacancies in multiple areas throughout the Immigration Group. APS6 Permanent Positions in Immigration Group - Apply Now: https://lnkd.in/gyrQg4Du Applications close 11:59pm AEST (midnight) 23 July 2024

Did you know new laws mean that an employer can be jailed or face big fines if they exploit their workers? New laws starting 1 July 2024 mean employers who engage in serious, deliberate or repeated exploitation may be prohibited from hiring more temporary visa holders for several years. Workplace exploitation covers a range of behaviour, from underpaying workers, threatening to cancel their visa, pressuring them to accept poor living conditions or accept unwanted sexual acts. Make sure you know what the new laws are by visiting: https://lnkd.in/g8xagP7U.

Recently, we proudly represented Australia as the chair of the inaugural 2024 UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency Consultations on Resettlement and Complementary Pathways (CRCP) in Geneva, Switzerland, together with the Refugee Council of Australia. Formerly known as the Annual Tripartite Consultations on Resettlement, the CRCP reinforced Australia’s commitment to strengthen global partnerships to find durable, innovative solutions to refugee crises. Around 350 senior delegates from governments, NGOs, academia and refugees attended the event from 5 to 7 June. CRCP 2024 provided Australia the opportunity to support other countries to establish and grow their refugee resettlement programs, including building quality resettlement pathways and promoting inclusive societies globally. We also sought to champion the expansion of third country solutions outside traditional resettlement efforts through complementary pathways, including refugee labour mobility and community sponsorship pathways. A range of policy aspects were discussed including third country solutions for LGBTQIA refugees, perspectives on displacement and resettlement, creating synergies between resettlement and complementary pathways, global resettlement needs, and complementary pathways trends. The Department of Home Affairs will draw on outcomes from our term as Chair to drive future CRCP meetings to identify and take forward collective, practical measures needed to drive the 2023 Global Refugee Forum pledge coordination and implementation. You can find out more about the Pledge here: https://lnkd.in/dbn49vMh.

It's #NAIDOCWeek, a nationwide celebration honouring the history, culture and achievements of First Nations peoples. It’s a chance for us all to celebrate our Australian heritage, a chance to listen, learn and engage with amazing cultures and histories that span 65,000 years, in an effort to foster a society where contributions from First Nations people are valued and respected. This year's theme, ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud’, celebrates First Nations people's cultural heritage, deep connection to Country and unyielding spirit. The theme honours the enduring strength and vitality of the oldest living culture on earth – with fire as a symbol of connection to Country, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Border Force are proud to be actively creating a culturally safe and inclusive workplace that celebrates the contributions of First Nations peoples and supports their cultural responsibilities in their communities. To learn more about NAIDOC Week and how you can get involved, visit: www.naidoc.org.au

New Directions have been issued under the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF) to further protect against cyber security risks to the Australian Government. These Directions represent significant progress in uplifting cyber security capability across government. To view the new Directions, and past Directions, visit https://lnkd.in/gpfEGp4N To learn more about the Protective Security Policy Framework, visit https://lnkd.in/gBubsxKG

2024 Australia’s Local Hero, David Elliott OAM, has led the revival of Australia’s palaeontology field and the creation of a palaeo-tourism industry that has put outback Queensland on the map! Proudly sponsored by the Department of Home Affairs, the Local Hero Award acknowledges active citizenship and the extraordinary contributions made by everyday Australians in their local community. If you know someone doing great work in the community, nominate them today for the 2025 Australian of the Year Awards Local Hero Award! #NominateNow at: https://lnkd.in/gsFgwS9. #ausoftheyear

Do you employ overseas workers? Have you heard about new laws tackling migrant worker exploitation starting on 1 July 2024? These new laws target dishonest employers who misuse visa rules to exploit temporary migrants. You could face serious consequences if you break these laws. Read about the new laws at https://lnkd.in/g8xagP7U