The roll out of a new high-speed response vessel in the Port of Fremantle will strengthen Customs role in delivering effective border protection, the Minister for Justice and Customs and Western Australian Senator, Chris Ellison, said today.

"This is the second of four of a new class of boat to be obtained by Customs to support its existing national fleet of harbour-based CRVs and sea-going Australian Customs Vessels," Senator Ellison said.

"The new CRVs will operate in both harbour and coastal waters and can carry up to eight armed officers with associated equipment for boarding and searching vessels."

Customs role is to balance the need for community protection while ensuring the legitimate movement of people and goods across the border is not impeded.

"This is a particularly challenging assignment for Customs maritime enforcement officers in Fremantle considering the size of the area of responsibility and the importance of the Port of Fremantle," Senator Ellison said.

He said the CRV would be used for patrolling the port environs, boarding ships when they first arrived and in joint operations with other agencies.

The new CRV will be based permanently in Fremantle but may be deployed to other ports as required to assist Customs deliver effective border protection.

"The vessel will particularly enhance Customs ability to deal with sophisticated attempts to import drugs and other prohibited items such as last year's alleged attempt by a syndicate to smuggle drugs into the country attached to the hull of the MV Tampa," Senator Ellison said.

Additional CRVs will be deployed in Sydney and Dampier to expand Customs ability to patrol international ports and their environments. The first was deployed in Melbourne in 2006.

Media inquiries:
Michael Barrett (02) 6277 7260 / 0419 424 359

Note to Editors:
Images of CRVs can be downloaded from the image gallery (select 'Customs Response Vessels 2006/07').