The Immigration Department has spent over $200,000 on guns since 2014, amid claims it is militarising previously civilian roles.

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) has told Senate estimates it purchased 332 Glock pistols since 2014 for a total cost of $204,025.

Figures given to Senate estimates in 2015 showed the Australian Border Force had 1,282 pistols, 103 shotguns, and 45 machine guns for its 5,000 officers.

Reports say the new border force has about twice as many armed officers as the agencies it replaced.

As well as introducing military-style uniforms, the department also announced plans to buy stun guns for its officers in 2016.

But DIBP chief Michael Pezzullo, who rejects claims of militarisation, says the department needs stronger law enforcement capabilities.

“I reject completely there has been any kind of overreach that could be connoted by the notion of militarisation,” he said.

Greens senator Nick McKim said; “This is an extension of the government’s militarisation of Australia’s quarantine and customs services”.

“The government needs to make the public case as to why these weapons are needed.

“They also should explain why they can spend $200,000 on weapons, but continue to deny staff a modest pay rise,” Senator McKim said.