Terminal operators to clamp down on organised crime

Mr Clare has proposed new laws covering terminal operators, stevedores and others. His Customs and AusCheck Legislation Amendment (Organised Crime and Other Measures) Bill recommends requiring terminal operators and stevedores to report unlawful activity, to ensure premises are secure and to conduct personal checks on management at the request of Customs.

Anyone caught using restricted information from the Integrated Cargo System could face two years in jail or a fine. Other possible penalties include a loss of Customs licence clearances and the withdrawal of maritime security cards.

The legislation follows on from Taskforce Polaris, a joint enforcement group which has been targeting organised crime in the cargo system in Sydney since 2010. In that time 36 arrests have been made and over 12 tonnes of have been seized.

Similar task forces have been set up in Melbourne and Brisbane.