Recent research shows that 84 per cent of Australians believe the country should have a globally competitive international border in place before the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Australia’s major international gateways, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne airports, stand together with the Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) and Australian Airports Association (AAA) today to call on the Federal Government to urgently invest in a modern border.
The group is urging the Government to invest ahead of the upcoming Federal Budget as the need for action is becoming increasingly critical in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Recent consumer research commissioned by TTF highlights that traveller experiences at international borders play an important role in shaping perceptions of destinations. 31 per cent of Australians reported that a negative experience when entering a country’s border made their overall impression of that country worse[1], showing the reputational risk if the nation fails to deliver a seamless and welcoming arrival experience. The same research shows that 84 per cent of Australians believe a modern, world-class international border is essential ahead of the Games, underscoring the expectation for Government investment.
Beyond perception, improving the arrivals experience also presents a significant economic opportunity. If travellers cleared customs more quickly when arriving in Australia, many would spend that additional time engaging in activities that directly support the visitor economy. According to the research, around 31 per cent said they would explore the destination and go sightseeing, 25 per cent would go shopping, 24 per cent would dine out, and 35 per cent would check into accommodation sooner. The findings suggest that time saved at the border can quickly translate into economic activity for local businesses, tourism operators, retailers, and hospitality venues.
To fund the modernisation of Australia’s border systems, the industry is calling on the Government to maintain the Passenger Movement Charge at its current rate ($70) but direct all future growth-related revenue toward the Border Modernisation program. With forecasts indicating the charge will generate more than $380 million in additional revenue by 2030, this provides a clear opportunity to fund technology upgrades, digital solutions, and frontline resources that will help future-proof Australia’s border.
Industry leaders say reinvesting the growth generated by tourism back into the border system means Australia will be ready to welcome the world for the Brisbane 2032 Games and beyond.
View and download digital assets of the current airport arrivals process here.
Tourism & Transport Forum CEO, Margy Osmond said:
“A modern and efficient border is essential for both travellers and the Australian economy. Every hour saved at the border translates into real economic activity, supporting local businesses, tourism operators, and the broader visitor economy.
“With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games approaching, we have an opportunity to showcase Australia at its best. It is imperative the Government ringfences growth from the Passenger Movement Charge to fund the border, protect Brand Australia, and keep us competitive on the global stage.”
Melbourne Airport Chief of Aviation, Jim Parashos said:
“Australians deserve better than the current international arrivals experience, which is cumbersome, inefficient and no longer fit-for-purpose.
“Melbourne Airport is investing $4.5 billion to upgrade our international terminal, but the congestion in our arrivals area is primarily caused by outdated Border Force processes and technology.”
Sydney Airport CEO, Scott Charlton said:
“Modernising Australia’s border is critical to maintaining our global competitiveness, particularly as we prepare for significant growth in international travel. Outdated, paper-based processes risk holding Australia back compared to more advanced global hubs.
“By contrast, a streamlined digital border system would support passenger growth, improve the traveller experience, and allow us to invest more efficiently in the infrastructure that adds value.
“This is a critical productivity reform. Acting now will ensure Australia remains competitive, supports the sustainable growth of our airports, and avoids unnecessary costs being passed on to travellers.”
Brisbane Airport CEO, Gert-Jan de Graaff said:
“Brisbane Airport remains steadfastly focused on improving the inbound passenger journey and stands ready and able to help. Our trial of the Digital Arrival Card, piloted with Qantas, has proven so successful that it is now being adopted by other airports across the country, but that is only the beginning.
“The cost of delay is greater than the cost of reform and every minute a passenger spends standing in a queue is a minute lost to the economy.
“A modern border shifts the focus from managing lines to managing risk, delivering productivity gains right across aviation, tourism and trade, while maintaining strong security and biosecurity outcomes.”
Australian Airports Association CEO, Simon Westaway said:
“We want to roll out the best welcome mat possible for returning Australian travellers and international visitors arriving in Australia, and border modernisation is one of the best ways to do that.
“The first step is to ditch the paper Incoming Passenger Card. These benefits won’t just be felt in our major cities – they will flow right across the aviation network.
“Ultimately, we could end up with one of the most seamless passenger border experiences in the world if action is taken now and we get things ready in time for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“Particularly amid global uncertainty, we should be doing everything we can to keep Australia a must-visit, bucket list destination.”
[1] Research commissioned with Pureprofile, between 19 – 23 February 2026 surveying a nationally representative sample of 1,026 Australians