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How to Become a Border Force Officer: Australian Careers in Government

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What is a Border Force Officer?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Border Force Officer?

A Border Force Officer guards Australia’s borders by applying customs and immigration laws. They check people and goods entering the country to stop crime and support safe, lawful travel and trade.

Officers work at airports, seaports, and land crossings. They inspect luggage and cargo, check travel documents, and use scanning tools to find banned items. They deal with a wide range of people every day, from tourists to freight traders.

Common tasks include questioning travellers, searching cargo, seizing banned goods, and writing reports. Officers also share data with other law agencies to tackle threats like drug smuggling and human trafficking.

A career as a Border Force Officer offers a clear path for growth. Officers can move into specialist areas such as intelligence, investigations, or marine work. The role is a permanent APS job with structured training and strong job security.

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Career snapshots For Border Force Officers

Border Force Officers work for the Australian Border Force (ABF), a law enforcement agency within the Department of Home Affairs. Positions are permanent and full-time APS roles.

Officers work rotating shifts around the clock, including nights, weekends, and public holidays. Starting salary for a new graduate is around $71,201 per year (source: Home Affairs Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027). Pay rises with experience and APS pay grade.

The ABF runs regular intakes across Australia, covering major cities and some regional sites. Competition for entry roles is strong. The ABF actively recruits people from diverse backgrounds.

What will I do?

Border Force Officers are on the frontline of Australia’s border security. They enforce customs and immigration laws at airports, seaports, and land border crossings. Their work protects the community from serious threats while helping legitimate travellers and traders move freely.

  • Checking passengers and cargo: Officers inspect people and goods entering or leaving Australia for banned or undeclared items.
  • Reviewing travel documents: They check passports, visas, and customs forms for accuracy and signs of fraud.
  • Interviewing travellers: Officers question individuals to check their intent and confirm the details they have provided.
  • Seizing banned goods: They confiscate drugs, weapons, and other prohibited items found during inspections.
  • Working with other agencies: Officers share intelligence and run joint operations with the AFP, state police, and other bodies.
  • Preparing reports: They write records of searches, seizures, and incidents for legal and operational use.
  • Assisting travellers: Officers answer questions and guide passengers through customs and immigration processes.
  • Ongoing training: Officers take part in regular training to keep their skills and knowledge current.

What skills do I need?

Border Force Officers need a mix of people, thinking, and physical skills to do the job well. The role involves working with the public every day, so strong communication is key.

Officers must make quick, sound decisions under pressure. They deal with people from all walks of life, so cultural awareness and empathy matter. A solid grasp of customs and immigration law is required to carry out the role well.

Physical fitness is a genuine need. Officers may work long shifts and need the stamina to respond fast. They must also keep sensitive details secure and act with integrity at all times.

Skills/attributes

  • Strong communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Problem-solving ability
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Knowledge of customs and immigration law
  • Physical fitness and stamina
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Cultural awareness and sensitivity
  • Sound decision-making
  • Integrity and ethical judgement
  • Conflict resolution skills
  • Risk assessment and analytical thinking
  • Computer literacy
  • Ability to handle sensitive information

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.