Michael Outram

Michael Outram is an Australian law enforcement officer and the Commissioner of the Australian Border Force from 2018 to 2024. He has served as a law enforcement officer for over 30 years and previously served with the Australian Federal Police.

Career Before AFP Outram served as a detective in the London Metropolitan Police prior to migrating to Australia in 2002 and later joining the Australian Federal Police.

Australian Federal Police

Outram served as an Assistant Commissioner in the Australian Federal Police where he led the AFP's protection operations, including the close personal protection of high office holders, uniformed protection of commonwealth buildings, and Australia's witness protection program. Outram was also responsible for the AFP's operational response to the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 by Russia in Ukraine and the G20 Summit in Brisbane.

Commissioner Outram was appointed Commissioner of the Australian Border Force in May 2018 after his predecessor, Roman Quaedvlieg, had his appointment terminated by the Governor-General for a series of improprieties committed by the former Commissioner during his tenure. Outram had been serving as Acting Commissioner during the 10 months Quaedvlieg had been on indefinite leave as the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity investigated the allegations of improper conduct. This was disputed by ABF and Outram, with Outram clarifying that ABF did not possess the power to prevent the entry of passengers for human health reasons, instead placing the responsibility on the New South Wales Department of Health. Outram's position was later vindicated by a NSW Special Inquiry which found that NSW Health was mostly to blame for the bungle.

Outram was included in sanctions issued by Russia in response to Australia's own sanctions against Russian and Russian citizens due to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Outram officially retired as commissioner on 9 November 2024.

Honours