Third people smuggler jailed
Joint Media Release with Bob Debus MP - Minister for Home Affairs
Saturday, 18 April 2009
The Minister for Home Affairs, Bob Debus, and the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, today welcomed the jailing of the third Indonesian skipper involved in recent people smuggling activity, saying it should send a strong message that Australia will not tolerate such crimes.
Senator Evans said the six year jail term handed down to 31-year-old Man Pombili by the Western Australian District Court, following the six-year and five-year jail sentences received by two Indonesian skippers earlier this year, reinforced the message that those found guilty of people smuggling faced severe punishment.
Pombili pleaded guilty to smuggling 10 people into Australia after the boat he skippered was located south of Ashmore Island by the Royal Australian Navy on November 19 last year. The boat had been holed, was flooding fast and sinking when the Navy found it and rescued all those on board.
Earlier this month 58-year-old Amosh Ndolo was sentenced to five years’ jail for smuggling 16 people into Australia on October 6 last year, and last month 35-year-old Abdul Hamid was sentenced to six years’ jail after pleading guilty to smuggling 12 people into Australia. The Royal Australian Navy intercepted the boat he skippered near Ashmore Reef on September 29 last year.
'People smuggling is a dangerous crime that exploits vulnerable people during times of desperation and demonstrates a callous disregard for the law,' Senator Evans said. 'This has been reinforced by the tragic events of this week.'
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 Australian Government would continue to work with regional partners to deal with issues involving irregular migration and people smugglers.
'The government has renewed efforts to work closely with regional countries including Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand to prevent and deter people from attempting to enter Australia unlawfully,' Senator Evans said. 'The Rudd Government has also consistently made clear its commitment to maintain a system of mandatory detention and excision.'
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/media/media-releases/2009/ce09036.htm
Last update: 20 April 2009 at 08:35 AEST