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

Mr Speaker, I seek the indulgence of the chair to add to an answer.

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The minister may proceed.

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

Mr Speaker, the now absent member for Dickson asked me a question concerning those who were on board SIEV36. I am advised of the following by the Department of Defence. Five ADF personnel received injuries in the explosion which occurred on SIEV36. Those injuries were minor. Fifty-four personnel on board the vessel participated in critical mental health screening following their involvement in the incident. This screening identified 17 personnel with the potential for adverse mental health outcomes. Three personnel were off work, two for psychological injury and one for physical injury. The two members with psychological injuries were placed on temporary restrictions. As of 21 October, the two members that suffered psychological injury are on a return-to-work program and the member with physical injury has returned to work. There has been one additional member that has subsequently developed mental health problems and has been reviewed by the medical review board.

Once again, I would like to express the government’s gratitude to and admiration for the men and women of the ADF, Customs and Border Protection Command for their dedication to duty in response to a very difficult situation.

Malcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On indulgence, I thank the Prime Minister for those additional remarks and join with him in thanking the ADF for their heroic efforts in defending our borders and undertaking the great risks that they do in dealing with these dangerous situations at sea.