Siev 36 - Nt Coroner's Findings

SIEV 36 NT Coroner's Findings

Media release

17 March 2010

The Northern Territory Coroner has today indicated that he will refer his findings to the NT Commissioner of Police and the NT Director of Public Prosecutions to determine whether criminal charges can been laid in relation to the explosion on SIEV 36 in April 2009.

These are now matters for the police and criminal justice system to investigate and progress in accordance with Australian law.

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship will provide all possible assistance to the NT Police and NT Director of Public Prosecutions, if requested.

The individuals concerned will be subject to Australian laws and penalties should any charges and subsequent convictions arise from the NT Police investigations.

People convicted of serious crimes can have their visa cancelled under section 501 of the Migration Act.

Where a decision is made to cancel a person's visa under section 501 of the Act, they become an unlawful non-citizen and are liable for detention and removal from Australia as soon as reasonably possible. A person who has been removed from Australia after cancellation of their visa under section 501 of the Act is permanently barred from returning to Australia.

The granting of Protection Visas to the passengers on board SIEV 36 last year followed the decision by the NT Police at that time not to charge any people in relation to the explosion.

The NT Police made clear at that time that there was insufficient evidence to charge any person with criminal offences relating to the explosion. Furthermore, the NT Police were consulted about finalising the group's Protection Visa applications and confirmed in writing that: "The NT Police supports the granting of permanent visas for the passengers."

The Protection Visas were granted in accordance with Australian law and Australia's international obligations under the UN Refugee Convention once all health, security and identity checks had been completed.

Media Contact: Simon Dowding (02) 6277 7860 or 0411 138 541


SOURCE: Minister for Immigration and Citizenship