HMAS Ararat intercepted a vessel north east of Christmas Island
16 April 2010
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.
HMAS Ararat, crewed by Armidale Class Patrol Boat Crew Assail Three, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, intercepted the vessel north east of Christmas Island on the morning of 16 April 2010.
Initial indications suggest 82 passengers 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 making claims in relation to Sri Lanka or Afghanistan these 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: 135 identified disruptions; 3, 602 foreign nationals detained by Indonesian authorities; and 62 arrests of facilitators/organisers
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.
