Changing Of The Guard At Border Protection Command

UNDER EMBARGO UNTIL MIDNIGHT MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

09 February 2010


Changing of the Guard at Border Protection Command

Customs and Border Protection CEO Michael Carmody and Chief of the Defence Force Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston today announced the appointment of the new Commander of Border Protection Command.

Rear Admiral Tim Barrett, previously the Director General Defence Force Recruiting, was recently promoted to Rear Admiral and will take up the role of Commander Border Protection Command on 9 February.

Rear Admiral Barrett has had a distinguished career in the Australian Defence Force including several command appointments, as well as several international postings. He was awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross in 2006 for service in Command of HMAS Albatross and was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2009 for his services to Navy.

"Commander Border Protection Command is an important and challenging role and I look forward to the contribution Rear Admiral Barrett will make in supporting Customs and Border Protection and the Australian Defence Force," Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

Former Commander, Rear Admiral Allan du Toit, concluded his posting to Border Protection Command on 8 February and has now taken up his new position as Deputy Chief, Joint Operations Command.

Mr Carmody said that Rear Admiral du Toit made a highly valuable contribution to Border Protection Command during his two-year posting.

"I would like to congratulate Rear Admiral du Toit on his leadership during a time of heightened activity at the border.

"During his time as Commander he was responsible for creating greater unity and integration across government departments in the coordination of offshore maritime security.

"He has been a leading figure in engaging with our Asia-Pacific counterparts and has successfully strengthened relationships with international stakeholders across the world including Pakistan, New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, France and the United States.

"I wish him all the best in his new position and, at the same time, welcome Rear Admiral Barrett to our senior executive team," Mr Carmody said.

People smuggling is not just an issue for Australia it is a global and regional problem.

Border Protection Command uses a combination of Customs and Border Protection and Defence assets to deliver a coordinated national response to security threats in Australia's maritime domain.


Media inquiries:
Customs and Border Protection Communication and Media (02) 6275 6793
Defence media liaison (02) 6265 3343



SOURCE: Customs and Border Protection