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

I thank the honourable member for his question. I would also say, in addition to the answer I gave him yesterday, that the decision taken by the department of immigration on 7 October 2009 was consistent with the advice received from the Northern Territory Police. They said, ‘The NT Police supports the granting of permanent visas for the passengers.’

This advice was received one week before the 42 asylum seekers were granted protection. In taking decisions, obviously, the department of immigration has been exceptionally mindful of also the law enforcement mechanisms of the country including where those procedures may lead in terms of the individuals who were on that vessel, particularly those against whom particular allegations have been made which are now subject to judicial process.

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