The author recounts an encounter with Australian Border Force (ABF) officers upon re-entering the country. Despite being an Australian citizen returning home, the author was asked to fill out an emergency contact form, a practice that remains in place despite the removal of outgoing passenger cards. The ABF representative emphasized the importance of completing the form, citing the need for information related to immigration, customs, biosecurity, and human health. The author reluctantly provided their partner’s contact details and proceeded to collect their baggage.
Criticism is raised regarding the questions included in the Incoming Passenger Card (ICP) that Australian citizens are required to complete. The author questions the necessity for the ABF to inquire about the nature of an individual’s overseas trip, whether for visiting friends and family or for leisure. An ABF spokesperson defended the practice, stating that the information gathered is vital for various government agencies. The author highlights the outdated nature of using paper arrival cards in a technologically advanced era, with Australia diverging from the digital approach adopted by other countries.
The discussion touches upon the failed implementation of the Digital Passenger Declaration (DPD) app, introduced in 2021 but ultimately discontinued under the new government. Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil acknowledged the feedback on the DPD’s lack of user-friendliness and the need for further development before potentially replacing paper arrival cards. The article suggests that the interrogation of Australian citizens returning home should be reevaluated to enhance the overall travel experience and streamline the process. Travelers are advised to carry their own pen to complete the necessary forms upon arrival, given the potential shortage of writing utensils at customs.
In conclusion, the author highlights the inconvenience and inefficiency of the current procedure for Australian citizens re-entering the country. The persistence of filling out paper arrival cards and providing personal information, including emergency contacts, is viewed as unnecessary and intrusive. The lack of progress in transitioning to digital solutions, such as the short-lived DPD app, underscores the need for a more user-friendly and streamlined process for returning travelers. The call for a more efficient and less intrusive approach to questioning citizens upon arrival reflects a broader need for improvement in border control practices in Australia.
