Well, it's all done & dusted now (in that the proposed operation has been cancelled) - see here:

www.watoday.com.au/politics/federal/australian-border-force-to-patrol-melbourne-cbd-as-part-of-antisocial-behaviour-operation-20150828-gj9qtd.html &

www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2015/aug/28/protest-against-border-force-visa-crackdown-shuts-melbourne-streets-live

What an amazing fiasco by the "Border Farce"....unbelievably badly thought out idea, let alone the prosecution of it.

A shameless activity none the less to have "Border Farce" officers wandering the streets asking if someone has their visa documentation with them....how many of us actually carry passports as we walk the streets of Aus? Since fkg WHEN was it a requirement for a student or a migrant to carry those docs with them?

If Border Farce hung out at any backpackers or hit up those large scale rural employment sites engaging backpackers, they'd have a better chance of getting someone.

This whole thing is a joke and a farce:
1) Operationally/tactically, why would a para-military force signal their intention(s) like this? The simple solution would be for an "over-stayer" to remain at home/away from the Melb CBD.
2) Immigration has previously targeted known/suspected areas/regions/businesses suspected of having/employing visa "over-stayers" - no problem with 'targeted' compliance/enforcement - that's their job.


What a disgrace this has been.