[6][1] Outram began his role at Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) as Deputy CEO in 2015.

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.

[8][4] Upon being appointed to as Commissioner, Outram made clear his intention ensure the integrity of the ABF and committed to a series of organisational changes and a focus on using intelligence.

Outram also committed the agency to tackle illegal tobacco, human trafficking, and slavery.

[9] 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.