Julia Gillard (Lalor, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I rise on indulgence to acknowledge the tragic loss of lives which occurred when a vessel known as SIEV221 sunk just off Christmas Island on 15 December last year. That boat came to grief on a very rocky shoreline in very dangerous and difficult seas. Forty two people survived the wreck—41 were rescued and one man managed to swim ashore by himself.

The 41 who were rescued were rescued because of the outstanding professionalism of our nation’s Customs and Border Protection Command and also the courage shown by Christmas Island residents as they rallied to save lives. I pay tribute to each of them today. They responded instinctively to what is the oldest law of the sea—that is, that you have a duty to rescue those who are in peril—and they did so fearlessly. Forty one people are alive today because of their courage.

At least 30 people died that morning and there are an unknown number who are missing and presumed dead. Whatever one’s views they were fellow human beings, men, women and children, whose lives were lost on our shores in a tragic accident. We acknowledge the circumstances of their passing with sadness and with respect.

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