Minister Media Release
BORDER PROTECTION COMMAND INTERCEPTS VESSEL - 10 April 2010
Border Protection Command has successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.
HMAS Maitland, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, intercepted the vessel during the evening on 9 April north north east of West Island in the Ashmore group.
Initial indications suggest eight passengers and two crew are on board the vessel.
The group will be transferred to Christmas Island where they will undergo security, identity and health checks and their reasons for travel will be established.
While their nationality is yet to be confirmed, if these asylum seekers are Sri Lankans or Afghans their claims will not be considered for at least three or six months respectively, under a processing suspension introduced by the Government on 9 April 2010.
This suspension was introduced because of the evolving circumstances in these two countries. The Australian Government believes that asylum seekers should only be granted the right to live in Australia if they are genuinely in need of protection.
People smuggling is not just an issue for Australia – it is a global and regional problem. The commitment of our neighbours, through bilateral cooperation and the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime, is critical to addressing this most serious issue.
As a direct result of these strong working relationships, since September 2008, there have been in Indonesia: 125 identified disruptions; 3,362 foreign nationals detained by Indonesian authorities; and 60 arrests of facilitators/organisers.
In addition, the Australian Government’s Border Protection Command uses a combination of Customs and Border Protection and Defence assets to deliver a coordinated national response to security threats in Australia’s maritime domain.
The Australian Government remains vigilant and committed to protecting Australia’s borders. Today’s successful interception by Border Protection Command, coupled with changes to the immigration processing system, continues to demonstrate this commitment and the effectiveness of the proactive response program in place.
Contact: Brian Humphreys 0438 595 567 or Customs and Border Protection media (02) 6275 6793