Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I table a statement and documents relating to the order for the production of documents concerning the Oceanic Viking.

President of the Senate Senator John Hogg

Parliament House

Canberra 2600 ACT

Dear Mr President

I write in reference to the Senate Return to Order motion from Senator Fierravanti-Wells for the production of documents.

A letter from the Secretary of the Department of Immigration & Citizenship to the Minister for Immigration & Citizenship in relation to this matter was sent on 16 November 2009. The letter has been tabled in the Parliament. A copy of the letter is attached.

A document titled “Message to the 78 passengers on board the Oceanic Viking” was provided by officials from the Department of Immigration & Citizenship to passengers on board the Oceanic Viking. The document was prepared by officials from the Department of Immigration & Citizenship. The document reflects the arrangements agreed between Australian Government officials and Indonesian Government officials about the management of the passengers on board the Oceanic Viking. The document has been tabled in the Parliament. A copy of the document is attached.

It is a matter of public record that the Oceanic Viking was the subject of consideration by the Border Protection Committee (BPC) of Cabinet in November 2009.

Documents known as Cabinet business lists are maintained for each meeting of the BPC. These documents include the names of the persons who attended the meetings and the dates on which the meetings were held. In addition, Cabinet minutes contain information in relation to the dates on which BPC meetings were held.

Both Cabinet business lists and Cabinet minutes are official records of Cabinet. The Government does not propose to table these documents on the public interest immunity ground that their disclosure would compromise the confidentiality of Cabinet.

Yours sincerely

Chris Evans

SECRETARY

16 November 2009

Senator Chris Evans

Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Parliament House

Canberra ACT 2600

Dear Minister

I refer to recent media reports regarding the passengers on hoard the Oceanic Viking receiving “special treatment” from the Australian Government.

I would like to confirm the following matters regarding the procedural and other arrangements applying to the group:

• The group requested that they he processed in Australia.
• The Australian Government refused to do so and, in accordance with international law, transported the group to Indonesia.
• The Indonesian Government requested that the group be taken to the Port of Kijang.
• The group is being treated in accordance with international law.
• The group is being treated in a manner consistent with that afforded to any other asylum seeker or refugee in Indonesia.
• They are being processed in Indonesia in accordance with Indonesian law.
• They have been, are being, or will be assessed by the UNHCR in accordance with the usual processes.
• The Indonesian Government and the Australian Government have agreed to a set of arrangements regarding the timefranies for the processing of the group in Indonesia, consistent with international practice and resettlement procedures.
• Those. found to be eligible for resettlement will be resettled in one of the several countries which resettle refugees from Indonesia.
• Assistance provided to refugees in resettlement countries varies, however it may include assistance with housing, medical care and counsellinR, income support, language tuition and help to fmd a job.

Yours sincerely

(Andrew Metcalfe)

This letter is to let you know that you can apply for resettlement, and to inform you of the procedures that will be followed by the Australian Government after you leave the ship and are safely onshore in Indonesia.

The Australian Government guarantees that mandated refugees will be resettled. The procedures will differ slightly depending on your circumstances:

1.

If UNHCR has found you to be a refugee—Australian officials will assist you to be resettled within 4-6 weeks from the time you disembark the vessel.

2.

If you have already registered with UNHCR—Australian officials will assist with your UNHCR processing. If you are found to be a refugee, you will be resettled within 12 weeks from the time you disembark the vessel.

3.

If you have not yet registered with UNHCR—Australian officials will assist with your UNHCR processing. If you are found to be a refugee, you will be resettled within 12 weeks from the time you disembark the vessel.

When you are safely onshore in Indonesia an Australian immigration officer will be in contact with you every day until the resettlement process is finalised.

You have asked if:

You could have English classes while your case is being processed.

We will arrange for English language and orientation classes for you while your case is being processed.

It would be possible to make contact with your families

We will arrange for you to let your families know that you are safe.

The Red Cross has agreed to assist you in tracing your family members. You could have assistance with your refugee applications

Yes. A highly professional team of Australian officers will be working with you every day to assist you in the process.

Accommodation—Discussions with Indonesian government have not been finalised.

Resettlement—When you are resettled you will receive many services in the resettlement country. These services may include assistance with housing, medical care and counselling, income support, English language tuition and help to find a job.

Once you have disembarked the vessel, Mr Paris Aristotle will remain in contact with you during processing and resettlement.

Jim O’Callaghan

Minister-Counsellor Immigration Australian Embassy

Jakarta

Indonesia

November 2009