Lowy Lecture Series: Border management and its role in supporting national economic competitiveness - Mr Michael Pezzullo
The future outlook for Australia’s border is particularly challenging. More than ever before, ensuring the security and integrity of Australian borders is essential, not only for the protection of the Australian community but also for economic prosperity. The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service contribute significantly to Australia’s economic prosperity through efficient delivery of border controls. This includes industry protection and assistance programmes that are administered in partnership with other agencies as well as the Service’s management of risks through the use of sophisticated systems for identifying illegal and criminal activity.
As outlined in the Blueprint for Reform, an efficient and effective Australian Customs and Border Protection Service will reduce unnecessary delay and costs for traders and travellers. Also, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the performance of the Service’s responsibilities will in turn reduce costs to industry and the community. The Service must act now to both anticipate and prepare for the challenges facing the border.
Michael Pezzullo was appointed as the 19th occupant of the office of Chief Executive of the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service on 15 February 2013. Prior to this appointment, Mr Pezzullo was the Chief Operating Officer of the Service from July 2009, responsible for corporate support, strategy, maritime security and border-related intelligence and national security programmes.
Before joining the Service, he was Deputy Secretary Strategy in the Department of Defence, from January 2006. In that role, he was responsible for strategy and planning, the policy aspects of ADF operations and international relationships, export controls and counter-proliferation, and the Department’s ministerial support and public affairs activities. Between February 2008 and May 2009 he led the Defence White Paper team and was also the principal author of the 2009 Defence White Paper.
He joined the Department of Defence as a graduate in 1987 and worked in a variety of policy and intelligence positions until 1992. He then transferred to the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, where he worked in the International Division on trade issues, including APEC. In March 1993, he joined the staff of the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Gareth Evans QC. He remained in Parliament House until December 2001, including serving as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Kim Beazley MP.
In February 2002, he rejoined the Department of Defence as an Assistant Secretary with responsibility for defence property management and planning. In March 2004, he was promoted to First Assistant Secretary with responsibility for Defence infrastructure, property and environment. In July 2004, he conducted the Defence inquiry into the issue of ADF knowledge of allegations of abuse of Iraqi detainees. Later that month, he was transferred into the role of Chief of Staff Australian Defence Headquarters and First Assistant Secretary Coordination and Public Affairs Division.
