More recently, incidents on Australia's north coast have raised serious concerns about border security and the vulnerability of remote areas to illegal migration and other maritime threats.
According to British media on April 24, in early April this year, a ship carrying 15 Chinese citizens successfully landed at the remote Mongalalu Trascott Air Base, triggering a major response by the Australian Department of Defense.
The incident marked the fourth time since last November that manned smuggled boats had arrived in the area, despite drones being activated from the airbase where they landed to patrol the coastline.
Local residents, including Madeleine Gallagher Dan, CEO of the nearby indigenous community of Calomburu, expressed concern about the arrival of further undetected.
The proximity of these events to inhabited areas increases concerns about security and the potential for the spread of disease through illegal immigration. Gallagher Dan highlighted the need for more effective border protection measures, highlighting the vulnerability of the region.
In an interview with ABC, she said: "It feels scary to think that they have come so far and landed so close to us. Border protection must be strengthened because we are too open here and vulnerable to threats. ”
"Just imagine bumping into this group of people while walking on the beach, that alone is scary enough. Not only that, but they can also carry the virus and transmit it to the local population. ”
It is worth noting that in November last year, another group of illegal immigrants from Pakistan landed by boat. In December last year, Australia dispatched drones to patrol the coastline.
In response, Exmouth Council County President Matthew Nikkula criticised the reliance on drone surveillance as a reactive response. He advocated for a permanent presence on Australia's northwest coast, stressing the need for enhanced security to mitigate biosecurity breaches, smuggling and threats to critical infrastructure in the Pilbara region.
He said, "How the hell is this? Is our coastal defense so weak? If any ship can land and the people on board can slip into the air base, what will happen to the northern border?"
The Northwest Defense Alliance, chaired by Nikura, highlighted the urgency of the situation, pointing to potential loopholes that allow unauthorized vessels to reach Australia's shores without detection. The concern is not limited to migration, but also includes broader security threats and the need for increased surveillance and protection measures.
"The discovery of four smuggling boats in half a year is the tip of the iceberg, and I don't know how many more boats have escaped radar. With the coastline so easily accessible, we urgently need to see critical assets, infrastructure and additional garrisons in place. ”
Indigenous elder Les French and his grandson, Rancho David, offer first-hand experiences of encounters with illegal fishing in the area and Indonesian vessels. A few years ago, he had used a shotgun to spy on a group of Indonesians who had landed, only to be delayed by officials hours later.
Despite Australia's Border Protection (CBP) assurances that resources in the region are adequate, questions remain about whether current measures are sufficient to effectively address maritime security threats. Recently, the Maritime Border Command, in collaboration with the Australian Fisheries Authority, successfully intercepted illegal fishing vessels in the area.
The Australian Border Force said in a statement that it was highly concerned about the area.
"We have mobilized air and sea forces to be ready to detect and interdict smuggling at sea, with additional resources deployed in 2023-24 to ensure a border posture," a spokesperson said. ”