People smuggling charge sends strong warning
Thursday 9 October 2008
An immigration officer escorts a 35-year-old Indonesian man from the Christmas Island immigration detention facility at Phosphate Hill for hand-over to the Australian Federal Police who charged him on October 9 with people smuggling a group of Afghans and Iranians. The man was allegedly the skipper of a vessel carrying 12 passengers that was intercepted by Border Protection Command near Ashmore Islands on September 29.
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, said the arrest and charging by the Australian Federal Police of an Indonesian man on a charge of people smuggling would send a strong message to would-be organisers in the region that such activity would not be tolerated by the Australian Government.
The 35-year-old man is allegedly the captain of a vessel carrying 12 passengers that was intercepted by Border Protection Command near Ashmore Islands on September 29.
‘The Australian Government will take all steps possible to ensure those people behind the practice of people-smuggling are brought to justice,’ Senator Evans said.
‘People smuggling is an abhorrent crime. To exploit vulnerable people during times of desperation demonstrates a callous disregard for the law and for humanity.’
The maximum penalty for the offence of organising to bring a group of five or more non-citizens into Australia contrary to section 232A of the Migration Act 1958 is 20 years’ imprisonment.
Senator Evans said the government’s ongoing commitment to border security was firm and resolute and it would continue to take robust measures to protect Australia’s borders.
‘People smuggling undermines Australia’s borders and the integrity of its immigration system and the Government will continue to deal resolutely with unauthorised boat arrivals,’ Senator Evans said.
‘The government has maintained extensive patrolling of our borders by Border Protection Command and has consistently made clear its commitment to maintain a system of mandatory detention and excision.’
‘The government has also renewed efforts to work closely with regional countries including Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand to prevent and deter people from attempting to enter Australia unlawfully.’
Department of Immigration officials on Christmas Island have now completed initial interviews with the 12 passengers who were on the intercepted vessel.
They will remain in detention on Christmas Island while immigration officials make a thorough assessment of any claims against Australia’s international protection obligations.
The teenage crew member on the vessel will be transferred to Perth and arrangements made for his removal to Indonesia.URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/media/media-releases/2008/ce08100.htm
Last update: 10 October 2008 at 10:49 AEST