Border force supremo to be appointed

A border force supremo will be set up under legislation that has passed parliament's lower house with Labor support.

The Australian Border Force commissioner will head an integrated immigration and customs agency and have the same standing as the Australian Federal Police commissioner and the chief of the defence force.

The government says the change will strengthen the protection of Australia's borders from illegal arrivals and cargo such as drugs and weapons while efficiencies will save $180 million over four years.