NT Coroner's report released - SIEV 36
17 March 2010
The Departments of Defence and Customs and Border Protection today welcomed the release of the Northern Territory Coroner's report into the incident involving SIEV 36 in April last year.
Rear Admiral Allan du Toit, Deputy Commander Joint Operations, and Rear Admiral Tim Barrett, Commander Border Protection Command, said both Departments would now examine the report.
"We note the Coroner's positive comments regarding the manner in which Defence personnel provided a timely rescue effort," Rear Admiral du Toit said.
"We also welcome the Coroner's comments on the great efforts, professionalism and bravery of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel in what he has described as a timely and proactive response.
"We note that the Coroner made reference to deficiencies in the search of the vessel. It is pleasing that the Coroner acknowledged that Defence has already taken action to remedy these deficiencies," Rear Admiral du Toit said.
"We will now carefully consider the findings of the Coroner's Report and provide comment once we have had an opportunity to review the document in detail," Rear Admiral Barrett said.
"It is anticipated that we will be in a position to respond to the report in more detail within the next two weeks."
Both Departments have cooperated fully with the Northern Territory Coroner's Inquest and the earlier Northern Territory Police investigation.
"The Inquest has been a difficult process for some of our personnel, and the conduct of our service men and women who appeared during hearings has been commendable," Rear Admiral du Toit said.
"Since the incident, Defence has been providing ongoing support to those ADF personnel involved. We are now concentrating our effort to ensure that those involved are fully informed of the Coroner's findings and will continue to provide them with the support they need."
The ADF Inquiry Officer report into the incident was publicly released by the Coroner after the completion of hearings last month.
