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

The member for Farrer asked me about the capacity of the vessel, the number of people on board the vessel, and therefore whether it was capable of discharging its functions. My answer was that the capacity of the vessel was 75 and this was extended to 120 as of a decision of 18 September. I further said that the provisions under international maritime law made it such that, under the Safety of Life at Sea—SOLAS—Convention, masters of vessels may take on as many persons as required to save lives. The honourable member for Farrer was contending I was not answering the question. I would suggest, Mr Speaker, that that did constitute an answer to the question. She also went on to ask about the appropriate provisioning of the vessel in the future. Practical arrangements are in hand for all of that to occur in consultation with the Indonesian authorities, as you would expect. But I go back to my point, Mr Speaker: what’s it all about? It is building up to the inevitability of another Thursday censure motion to defend the leadership of the Leader of the Liberal Party as he rallies the Right around the flag to save for another two weeks his leadership, given it has been under such systematic pressure and stress for such a long period of time. Unfortunately, Mr Speaker, the good citizens of Wentworth thought better of him.

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