"Border Security: Australia's Front Line" (2004) TV series 2004-????

User Rating:

7.1/10   

Seasons:

3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Release Date:

2004 (Australia)

Genre:

Documentary

Plot:

This program takes viewers behind the scenes of Australia's Customs, Immigration and Quarantine departments...

Awards:

1 win & 5 nominations

Cast

Grant Bowler

...

Himself - Host (55 episodes, 2005-2008)

Also Known As:

"Nothing to Declare" (UK)

Runtime:

Australia:30 min (including commercials)

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

Australia:PG

Filming Locations:

Kingsford Smith International Airport, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Company:

7 Network

Very entertaining

This periodic reality series - screening on Network Seven - chronicles the work of Australia's Customs and Quarantine personnel in intercepting suspicious persons or goods entering through Australia's airports.

Filmed largely at Sydney Airport, each show presents a motley crew of suspicious or randomly-selected persons being subjected to an elaborative and thorough screening process. Some are puzzled, others violently indignant: some are well presented, others conspicuously disheveled and inarticulate. We see all kinds of cases: those who have innocently omitted to make certain declarations, those making attempts at mass drug imports, or visitors on 'Tourist Visas' in reality seeking to enter the country for the purposes of work.

Whether BORDER SECURITY contributes to the Australian public's fear of foreigners, or panders to stereotyped views of the typical immigrant, the viewer will have to decide for themselves. The show itself is both entertaining and informative, and portrays those devoted to protecting our borders as being very thorough, and diligently aware of the nefarious tricks incoming passengers play. (The show certainly makes you wonder how much went undetected in the days before narcotic residue machines though!)