Commander of the Joint Agency Task Force OSB, Major General Bottrell: Q&A Interview – December, 2016 1) What is Operation Sovereign Borders? Operation Sovereign Borders is a military-led border security operation aimed at combating maritime people smuggling and protecting Australia’s borders. Since Operation Sovereign Borders was established by the Australian Government in September 2013 it has successfully reduced the number of illegal maritime ventures attempting to reach to Australia. Australia remains committed to ending the criminal people smuggling and preventing vulnerable people from risking their lives trying to reach Australia in unsafe boats. 2) Could you please explain Australia’s border protection policies? Australia has put in place tough border protection measures to undermine and combat maritime people smuggling, prevent loss of life at sea and protect Australia’s borders. For people who arrive illegally by boat, settlement in Australia will never be an option. There are no exceptions. ...