Blue Line: Response to media reporting on a missing vessel – October 2009

Release Date: Saturday, June 09 2012, 01:10 PM

The AFP wishes to correct media reports inferring that it was responsible for withholding information about an alleged vessel in distress in international waters on 3 October 2009.

On 3 October 2009, the AFP in Indonesia received unconfirmed information about a potential people smuggling venture.

This information was immediately provided to the Australian Customs and Border Protection Command (ACBPC) representative in Indonesia. There was no restriction on the use of this information. 

Contrary to media reports, the AFP information was not responsible for the reported four hour delay in transferring this information to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

This matter has been the subject of extensive questioning at Senate Estimates in October 2011 and February 2012.

Further information that clarifies this position can be found at the following Hansard transcripts and questions on notice:

Hansard transcripts - 14 February 2012 - Attorney-General's Portfolio
http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id:%22committees/estimate/845c7390-ee92-471d-b0a4-310947ada3f0/0000%22

Correspondence from Ms Marion Grant, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Border Enforcement, Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, dated 10 February 2012 (PDF 37KB)
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate_Committees?url=legcon_ctte/estimates/sup_1112/ag/Customs_100220012.pdf

SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON LEGAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS AUSTRALIAN CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION SERVICE - Question No. 38
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate_Committees?url=legcon_ctte/estimates/sup_1112/ag/QoN_38.pdf

Media enquiries
AFP National Media Team
Phone: (02) 6131 6333