HMAS Childers intercepted a vessel near Ashmore Islands

12 May 2010

HMAS Childers crewed by Armidale Class Patrol Boat Crew Ardent Six, operating under the control of Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel, near Ashmore Islands.

Initial indications suggest 21 passengers and four crew are on board the vessel.

The Australian Government changed the asylum seeker processing system, effective 9 April 2010, and suspended the processing of claims for Sri Lankan and Afghan nationals for at least three and six months respectively, as situations in both countries are evolving. If asylum seekers on this vessel are Sri Lankans or Afghans there is no guarantee their requests for asylum will be granted.

The group will be transferred to Christmas Island for security, identity and health checks, and their reasons for travel will be established.

The Australian Government remains committed to protecting the Australian border from maritime threats, including people smuggling. As a result it has implemented a comprehensive people smuggling strategy to combat this issue with an expanded presence in the region by the Australian Federal Police, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service.

People smugglers seek out and exploit vulnerable persons who, having faced uncertainty, conflict and violence, pursue stability and safety.

People who are owed Australia’s protection under our international obligations will be granted that protection. Those who seek to exploit and put lives at risk through people smuggling will face the full consequence of the law.

Since September 2008, the AFP has charged 149 people with offences under the Migration Act 1958 (Cth). These offences attract a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment.