'No excuse' after man exposes himself, hurls phone at Border Force

The Advertiser

2 days ago

Drunk Aussies warned after boozy travellers wreak havoc at airport.
Australian Border Force.
By Sarah Falson
Updated July 16 2025 - 12:56pm, first published 12:28pm
So you've had a few drinks on the plane coming home from Bali, but that doesn't mean you should make a wally out of yourself and chuck a wobbly at customs. Subscribe now for unlimited access.
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This is the (highly paraphrased) message from the Australian Border Force (ABF) after a string of "unacceptable incidents" at Perth International Airport recently.
According to the force, in one incident, a passenger returned on a flight from Kuala Lumpur and appeared to be "heavily intoxicated".
It is alleged the man became disruptive and "swore repeatedly" during a baggage search carried out by ABF officers.
He then "exposed himself by pulling his pants down on numerous occasions before throwing his mobile phone which hit an officer".
Australian Federal Police (AFP) reportedly removed the man from the airport and after an investigation charged the man with common assault, disorderly behaviour in public and two counts of indecent acts in public.
The man pleaded guilty in the South Hedland Magistrates Court on May 13, 2025, to the four offences and was fined $1500 and ordered to pay court costs.
"There is no excuse for abuse or violence towards Australian Border Force (ABF) officers," ABF has said.
In another incident on April 15, 2025, a WA traveller returning from Thailand allegedly became aggressive after being selected for a routine baggage search.
When ABF advised they would be seizing a carton of cigarettes the man failed to declare, he allegedly punched a wall, causing a hole.
Australian Border Force smart gates.
AFP was called and interviewed the man before escorting him from the terminal.
He was summonsed to appear in Perth Magistrates Court in August to face a charge of criminal damage, contrary to section 444(1)(b) of the Criminal Code (WA).
ABF Assistant Commissioner Chris Waters said this was the third reported incident in a few months, highlighting a disturbing and growing trend of abuse toward ABF officers.
"Our officers are hardworking, dedicated men and women, and the ABF has zero tolerance towards members of the public who abuse or assault officers while they are carrying out their lawful duties," Assistant Commissioner Waters said.
"Like any of us when we go to work, at the very minimum, our officers deserve to be treated with respect and common courtesy.
"Verbal or physical abuse will not be tolerated.
"There is no excuse. No matter how drunk or tired you are after your flight, we will act swiftly with our law enforcement partners if you behave this way."
ABF confirmed the issue of unruly behaviour at customs is not exclusive to Perth airport but is Australia-wide, and they believe the issue is under-reported.
The ABF processes around 750,000 passengers entering and leaving Australia's borders through airports every week.
Provisional data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows 43.3 million people arrived and left through Australian Border Force (air and sea) during the 2024-25 financial year.
Words by Sarah Falson Sarah is ACM's travel producer. She believes regional travel is just as fun (if not better) than staying in the big cities and loves any travel experience to do with nature, animals and food!.My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me. Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life.
My top travel tip is … Don't plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what's within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.