NOTICE OF MOTION

Senator Bartlett to move on Thursday, 16 October 2003:

That the Senate-

(a)notes that:

(i)on 19 October 2001, a boat known as the SIEV X, bound for Australia and carrying 421 passengers and crew, sank with the tragic loss of 353 lives, including 146 children,

(ii)a number of those who lost their lives had close family members in Australia who are on temporary protection visas, which prevents them from fully rebuilding their lives, and

(iii)the Commonwealth Government has not responded to the report of the Select Committee on a Certain Maritime Incident, which included an examination of the SIEV X sinking;

(b)asks the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (Senator Vanstone) to grant those refugees in Australia, whether they are awaiting a decision of their review or are on temporary protection visas, who suffered a personal loss through the sinking of SIEV X, permanent visas on humanitarian grounds;

(c)calls on the Commonwealth Government to immediately establish a comprehensive, independent judicial inquiry into all aspects of the People Smuggling Disruption Program operated by the Commonwealth Government and agencies from 2000 to date, including Suspected Illegal Entry Vessels, and in particular the boat known as SIEV X; and

(d)expresses its regret and sympathy at the tragic loss of so many innocent lives.

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