Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I can advise as follows: the MG Sage Sagittarius is a Panama flagged bulk carrier owned and operated by NYK Line. Venancio Salas Jr was the captain of the vessel. There were three suspicious deaths on board the vessel. There are also allegations that Captain Salas was involved in the illegal sale and transport of firearms.

At the time, there were no known character or security concerns in regard to Captain Salas. As the relevant authorities were not aware of the character or security concerns regarding Captain Salas, an MSIC application would not have picked these up. Now that the concerns regarding Captain Salas's behaviour have come to light, these will be taken into account on any future applications. The government cannot speculate about any application that may have been lodged or pre-empt any future decisions. However, the government can confirm that the testimony of Captain Salas during the coronial inquest, specifically any admissions to selling firearms to his crew as well as penal certificates from any country Captain Salas has resided in for longer than 12 months over the age of 16 years in the last 10 years, other adverse information and any character references supplied, can be considered. There is no disputing that Captain Salas was a genuine seafarer. He had a long history of travelling into and out of Australia as the captain or crew member of non-military vessels. Whilst we can't comment on individual cases, we can confirm that people with similar character concerns to Captain Salas may be prevented from being granted a visa due to these concerns.