Release: Taxpayers pay to deport a snack smuggler

Release: Taxpayers pay to deport a snack smuggler

The Australian Taxpayers’ Alliance, the nation’s largest grassroots advocacy group representing all taxpayers, today asked the government to consider the taxpayers before spending money to deport someone for carrying food in their luggage.

“While concerns about African swine fever make illegally smuggling pork into the country a serious offense, the government should respond with the appropriate amount of force to match the crime.” Says ATA Communications Manager, Emilie Dye. “When the Australian Border Force deports someone the taxpayers must foot the bill.”

“It cost taxpayers over $2 million dollars to deport the Tamil family. The Australian Border Force should think twice before running up such a large tab with taxpayer dollars.

“Border security should consider the taxpayers first before wasting their money to deport a tourist with a smuggled snack. It costs taxpayers little to simply confiscate pork before it enters the country and poses a risk to our livestock.”