Kevin Rudd (Griffith, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

They come from the right; they come from the left; they come from everywhere! This was the question which was asked yesterday which carries with it the implication that, because of the capacity of the Oceanic Viking, this country should not have honoured its obligations under international maritime law. That is exactly why it was asked. For the benefit of the honourable member for Farrer, the capacity of the Oceanic Viking is 75. On 18 September the Viking received an exemption to carry up to 120 people. Furthermore, the point is the Safety of Life at Sea—SOLAS—Convention provides that a ship’s master can take on as many persons as required to save lives. That is what international law has to say; that is what international maritime law has to say. Can I say therefore to the honourable member, as she and the member for Warringah and the others all build up to—

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