People smuggling charges affirm strong border message
Friday 17 October 2008
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, said the arrest and charging by the Australian Federal Police of two Indonesian nationals on people smuggling charges today sent a strong warning to people smugglers in the region.
‘The Australian Government is committed to strong border security arrangements and is determined to deal effectively and appropriately with people smuggling, which puts lives at risk and weakens our immigration system,’ Senator Evans said.
Those charged are a 58 year-old man, who was the captain of the vessel, and a male crew member whose age is yet to be determined. They are expected to be extradited to Perth to face court on Monday, 20 October.
There were 14 passengers and three crew on board the vessel that docked alongside a floating production storage and offloading facility in the Timor Sea on October 6.
All of the passengers claim to be from Afghanistan and have indicated they do not wish to return to their home country. They will remain in detention on Christmas Island while immigration officials make a thorough assessment of any claims under Australia’s international protection obligations.
The charges against two of the crew of the Timor Sea vessel bring to three the number of people charged with people smuggling offences in recent weeks. On October 9 the AFP charged the captain of the vessel that was intercepted on September 29 near Ashmore Island with people smuggling offences. He has been remanded in custody in Perth.
The maximum penalty for the offence of organising to bring a group of five or more noncitizens into Australia contrary to section 232A of the Migration Act 1958 is 20 years’ imprisonment.
Senator Evans said the government would continue to take robust measures to protect Australia’s borders.
‘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,’ Senator Evans said.
‘The government has also renewed efforts to work closely with regional countries including Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand to prevent and deter people smuggling in the region, including to Australia.’
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/media/media-releases/2008/ce08101.htm
Last update: 17 October 2008 at 17:27 AEST