Does the australian government scan every mail sent outside

The Australian government does have a system in place to scan and monitor international mail, but it's not a blanket scanning of every piece of mail sent outside the country.

The Australian Border Force (ABF) is responsible for inspecting and monitoring international mail, including letters, packages, and parcels. The ABF uses various methods to detect and prevent the smuggling of illegal goods, including drugs, weapons, and other contraband.

Here are some ways the ABF monitors international mail:

  1. X-ray scanning: The ABF uses X-ray scanners to inspect mail and packages at major international mail centers, such as the Sydney International Mail Centre and the Melbourne International Mail Centre.
  2. Manual inspections: Mail handlers and customs officers conduct manual inspections of mail and packages, looking for suspicious items or irregularities.
  3. Intelligence-led targeting: The ABF uses intelligence and data analysis to identify high-risk mail and target specific shipments for further inspection.
  4. Partnerships with postal services: The ABF works closely with postal services, such as Australia Post, to share information and coordinate efforts to detect and prevent illegal activities.

While the ABF does scan and inspect a significant amount of international mail, it's not a blanket scanning of every piece of mail sent outside Australia. The agency focuses on high-risk mail and packages, and the level of scrutiny can vary depending on the type of mail, the sender and recipient, and other factors.

It's worth noting that the ABF is also responsible for enforcing Australian laws and regulations related to mail, including the Customs Act 1901 and the Criminal Code Act 1995. If mail is found to contain illegal goods or contraband, the ABF can seize the item and take appropriate action against the sender or recipient.