The Federal Government has announced the appointment of Michael Pezzullo as Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS), and is set to wield a suite of new powers to tackle misconduct and corruption.

The new powers that come into force from today are:

  • Drug and Alcohol testing;
  • The power to terminate officers for serious misconduct; and
  • Mandatory requirements to report serious misconduct.

Mr Pezzullo immediately signed the order making it a legal, mandatory requirement for all Customs and Border Protection workers to report any suspected serious misconduct, corrupt conduct or criminal conduct, with drug and alcohol testing set to begin in March.

“Mr Pezzullo is an experienced and well-respected public servant. Customs requires major structural and cultural reform and Mr Pezzullo will drive this reform program.” Home Affairs Minister Jason Clare said.