Border Protection Comman intercepts vessel

Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.

The ACV Holdfast Bay, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, intercepted the
vessel at 5.30 pm (AEDST) on 4 November 2009 approximately 35 nautical miles north of Cape Van
Diemen, Tiwi Islands. The Royal Australian Navy vessel HMAS Pirie is in support.

Initial indications suggest 16 people are on board the vessel.

The Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, said situations around the world mean that large
numbers of displaced persons are looking for settlement and can be targeted by, and fall prey to, people
smugglers.

“According to the UNHCR 2008 Global Trends report, there were 42 million forcibly displaced persons
worldwide at the end of 2008, including 15.2 million refugees,” Mr O’Connor said.

The Australian Government encourages orderly migration and places a high priority on protecting
Australia’s borders from irregular maritime arrivals by maintaining an effective and visible tactical
response program of aerial, land and sea-based patrols.

“The Australian Government 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 and
today’s successful interception by Border Protection Command continues to demonstrate the
effectiveness of the proactive response program in place.” Mr O’Connor said.

“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.”

Media Contact: Brian Humphreys 0438 595 567 or Customs & Border Protection media (02) 6275 6793