About us

About us

Border Protection Command is commanded by a Rear Admiral seconded from Defence who, as Commander Border Protection Command (CBPC), has operational control of both Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Customs and Border Protection assets assigned to civil maritime security operations.  CBPC exercises this command through deputies located in two headquarters; Border Protection Command Headquarters in Canberra, which coordinates Customs and Border Protection assets via the Australian Maritime Security Operations Centre, and through HQJTF639 in Darwin, which coordinates the ADF assigned assets. This structure is illustrated below.

Organisational Structure

Border Protection Command is accountable to both the Minister for Home Affairs and the Minister for Defence. The Command is staffed by personnel from:

• Australian Customs and Border Protection Service;
• the Department of Defence;
• Australian Fisheries Management Authority; and
• Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service.

Command Structure

Commander, Border Protection Command is a Royal Australian Navy officer of two star rank. The current Commander is Rear Admiral David Johnston, RAN. His biography is available in PDF format.  The Commander is supported by:

• Deputy Commander, Border Protection Command;
• Deputy Commander, Northern Command Headquarters (JTF639);
• Chief of Staff;
• Command Legal Officer;
• Director Governance and Command Support;
• Director Operations;
• Director Intelligence;
• Director Strategy, Engagement & Counter Terrorism;
• Director Operational Planning; and
• Regional bases in Cairns, Darwin, Broome and Thursday Island.