The Rudd Labor Government’s use of Australian Customs and Border Protection Service’s patrol vessel, the Oceanic Viking, to transport and temporarily house unauthorised arrivals begs the question of who is protecting our fisheries.
The Federal Coalition Spokesperson for Fisheries Senator Richard Colbeck said it was concerning that one of Australia’s few fisheries surveillance boats was now caught up in Mr Rudd’s border security crisis.
“For days now, the Oceanic Viking has been full of unauthorised arrivals awaiting delivery at an Indonesian port,” Senator Colbeck said.
“So who then is patrolling and protecting Australia’s fisheries?
“It once again demonstrates the mess the Government has developed as a result of its flawed immigration policies.”
“The Government must let the Oceanic Viking, its crew and officers get on with the job of patrolling our waters and protecting the nation’s fisheries.”
SENATOR THE HON RICHARD COLBECK Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
