Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

Mr President, my question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Senator Carr, and refers to the wreck of the Tycoon at Christmas Island. On 8 January, high seas caused the Tycoon to break its moorings and smash into the cliffs next to the loading facility on Christmas Island. Since then, heavy bunker oil, diesel and phosphate have continued to leak into the ocean, potentially having long-term impacts on the marine environment, the island and seabirds in particular. The ship is now in three parts under the cliff. I therefore ask: has a salvor been identified for the ship? Will the ship, in fact, be salvaged or the intent to leave it there? Who is taking responsibility for ensuring salvage of the ship occurs and who is taking responsibility for stopping oil and phosphate leaking into the sea? What happens, in fact, if a salvor cannot be identified?