TRAVELLERS URGED TO PLAN AHEAD WITH AIRPORT DELAYS EXPECTED OVER EASTER

People travelling overseas from 22-25 March and 27 March-7 April are being urged to arrive at the airport early as there will be delays due to protected industrial action by employees of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, including the Australian Border Force (ABF).

The Department has been advised that some employees, who are members of the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU), will take part in significant action at international airports, ports, container examination facilities, client services and visa processing sections and international mail facilities.

On Thursday 24 March, there will be a major 24 hour stoppage across all departmental work sites in Australia; this will cause delays for travellers arriving and departing Australia at all international airports and cruise ship terminals.

Assistant Commissioner, Strategic Border Command, Clive Murray, said the Department was making arrangements to minimise the impact on travellers at our international airports as much as possible, however, there will be unavoidable delays over the Easter period.

“We have contingency plans in place to maintain the integrity of the border and limit as much as possible the impact of this action on travellers,” Assistant Commissioner Murray said.

“However, delays will occur and those travelling overseas over the Easter period are encouraged to arrive early at the airport, and then to proceed directly to customs and immigration clearance. Travellers who have not yet booked their travel or who are able to reschedule to another day are encouraged to do so. The Department recognises this will cause inconvenience and have an impact on the travelling public.”

“We will work to provide the best service we can, allocating available resources where they are most needed. The health, safety and security of the public and our staff continue to be our priority.

Members of the public are encouraged to visit the Department’s website (www.border.gov.au) or its Facebook and Twitter accounts for regular updates.

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