HMAS Childers intercepts a SIEV near West Island at Ashmore Reef
6 April 2010
HMAS Childers operating under the control of Border Protection Command successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel last night, near West Island at Ashmore Reef.
Initial indications suggest 22 passengers and one crew member are on board the vessel.
The Australian Government remains committed to protecting the Australian border from maritime threats, including people smuggling. People smuggling is a global and regional problem and the Australian Government continues to work closely with our regional neighbours to address this issue.
People smugglers seek out and exploit vulnerable persons who, having faced uncertainty, conflict and violence, pursue stability and safety.
The Australian Government has committed more than $654 million to implement 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.
The Australian Federal Police continue to provide support to foreign law enforcement agencies in their efforts to detect and disrupt people smuggling activities in the region.
Close working relationships with regional neighbours such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Sri Lanka have resulted in a number of arrests and disruptions to people smuggling ventures.
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.
The group will be transferred to Christmas Island for security, identity and health checks, and their reasons for travel will be established.
