Border force officers have uncovered unlawful drivers, cancelled visas and launched fresh investigations into trucking companies as part of a nationwide compliance blitz, amid warnings labour shortages are fuelling risky migration pathways into the industry.
The week-long operation, led by the Australian Border Force and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, swept NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland roads. More than 200 trucks were pulled over for roadside checks targeting visa breaches, worker exploitation and safety risks.
The timing of the crackdown – as freight volumes surged in the lead-up to Easter – underscores mounting concern within the federal government about the risks posed by unlawful drivers and fatigued operators on the country’s busiest roads.
Breaches were exposed at driver and employer level alike, as agencies stepped up enforcement in sectors heavily reliant on migrant labour.
ABF officers cancelled three student visas after identifying breaches of work conditions and issued a further three notices signalling potential cancellations. Nine drivers were formally counselled over their visa obligations.
In Victoria, officers stopped a heavy vehicle driver who had been living and working in Australia unlawfully for more than 12 years, highlighting what officials say are entrenched compliance gaps.
The joint operation reflects growing concern about the intersection of migrant worker exploitation and road safety. In long-haul freight, cost pressures and tight delivery windows can lead to risky behaviour.
Industry pressures are intensifying: road freight demand is projected to grow by 77 per cent between 2020 and 2050, while Australia is already short more than 26,000 drivers. Estimates from the International Road Transport Union in 2024 put the gap closer to 28,000, as ageing drivers retire and fewer young Australians enter the industry.
That shortage has fuelled aggressive recruitment of overseas drivers, particularly from India. Migration agents promoted Australia as a land of opportunity and highlighted expanded visa pathways in regional areas.
Census data shows Indian migrants have been among the fastest-growing cohorts, helping to fill chronic labour gaps in the freight sector.
Under strengthened federal laws, employers found to be exploiting migrant workers face penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment and significant fines.
In detailed safety checks, NHVR inspectors examined work diaries, fatigue management practices, mechanical standards, permits and load security – key factors in preventing crashes, particularly during peak holiday periods when freight and passenger traffic intersect.
Employers were also caught in the sweep. Five businesses were found to employ unlawful non-citizens or workers without the correct visas, and another five are under investigation for potential breaches. New inquiries have been launched in several states.
ABF commander John Taylor said officers would continue rolling out random roadside checks on major freight routes and regional corridors.
“You will never know where these actions will occur and when they will pop up,” he said. “If you seek to exploit visa settings or workers, expect to be detected and dealt with.”
Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs Julian Hill said the operation was aimed at protecting lawful operators and vulnerable workers.
“Most transport operators do the right thing, and they deserve a level playing field,” he said. “This operation targets the small minority who cut corners by exploiting workers or ignoring visa rules.”
NHVR chief operating officer Paul Salvati said the compliance push was critical to maintaining safety in an industry that underpins national supply chains, particularly during high-demand periods such as Easter.
Further joint checkpoints, mobile patrols and surveillance operations are planned in coming months. Authorities are foreshadowing sustained enforcement efforts to stamp out unlawful practices in the freight sector.
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Rob Harris is the national correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age based in Canberra. He is a former Europe correspondent.Connect via email.
