HMAS Wollongong intercepts a SIEV

26 April 2010

HMAS Wollongong, crewed by Armidale Class Patrol Boat Crew Ardent One operating under the control of Border Protection Command successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel last night, north north west of Ashmore Islands.

Initial indications suggest 49 passengers and 2 crew are on board the vessel.

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 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.

The Australian Government remains committed to protecting the Australian border from maritime threats, including people smuggling, and as a result, 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.

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 135 people with offences under the Migration Act 1958 (Cth). These offences attract a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment.