Minister media release
Border Protection Command intercepts two vessels - 10 May 2010
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted two suspected irregular entry vessels.
HMAS Childers, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, intercepted a vessel during the afternoon north of Ashmore Islands.
Initial indications suggest 36 passengers and three crew are on board the vessel.
Later this evening, HMAS Glenelg, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, intercepted another vessel near Christmas Island.
This vessel was initially detected by a RAAF P3 surveillance aircraft, operating under the control of Border Protection Command.
Initial indications suggest 86 passengers are on board this vessel.
The groups will be transferred to Christmas Island where they will undergo security, identity and health checks. Their reasons for travel will also be established.
The Australian Government has changed the asylum seeker processing system, effective 9 April 2010, and suspended the processing of claims for Sri Lankans and Afghans for at least three and six months respectively as situations in both countries are evolving. If passengers on this vessel are Sri Lankan or Afghan there is no guarantee their claims will be processed.
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. Recent meetings with government officials in Indonesia and Malaysia have led to positive steps forward in bilateral and regional cooperation to deter people smuggling.
The Australian Federal Police continues to provide support to foreign law enforcement agencies in their efforts to combat people smuggling activities in the region. These close working relationships have resulted in a number of arrests and disruptions to people smuggling ventures in countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka.
As a direct result of these strong working relationships, since September 2008, in Indonesia there have been 147 identified disruptions; 3,813 foreign nationals detained by Indonesian authorities; and 87 arrests of facilitators/organisers.
Media Contact: Belinda Cole 0438 595 567 or Customs and Border Protection media (02) 6275 6793