Helen Kroger (Victoria, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the request of Senator Cash, I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that on 15 December 2010, a vessel now known as SIEV 221 foundered on rocks at Rocky Point near Flying Fish Cove, Christmas Island, resulting in a significant search and rescue event and tragic loss of life; and

(b) acknowledges the:

(i) bravery of the crews of the Customs and Border Protection vessel, ACV Triton, and the Royal Australian Navy vessel, HMAS Pirie, and the people of Christmas Island who rescued 41 survivors in treacherous conditions at considerable risk to their own personal safety,

(ii) work done by officers of the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service and the Australian Navy who serve as part of Border Protection Command in protecting our borders, is recognised and appreciated, and

(iii) findings of the Joint Select Committee on the Christmas Island Tragedy in relation to the efforts of Customs, Navy and Australian Federal Police (AFP) on the day and that 'The committee believes the response by Customs, Navy and AFP on the day was a tremendous rescue effort made in atrocious circumstances'.

Question agreed to.