Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I will repeat my answer for the benefit of Hansard. As previous ministers have stated, as Minister Reynolds has read into the Hansard record and as I have already responded to you, Senator Sheldon, my answer does not change. I am advised as follows: the Australian Border Force are working with the Victoria Police. As I said, they are often referred to as VicPol.

In terms of the further information that I can provide to you, I can also advise as follows: Australian Border Force officers conduct regular visits to any vessel of interest. Australian Border Force officers conduct regular wharf patrols and provide a high-visibility presence, maintaining a periodical or permanent Australian Border Force marked vehicle presence at the gangway. They seek continuous CCTV monitoring by the national monitoring centre of vessel gangways. If a crew member leaves a vessel in contravention of the restriction on board, noting that they can leave the vessel to conduct essential tasks as long as they are wearing PPE, then local police authorities and/or port security will be contacted to effect the relevant state government health response. But, again, I understand Minister Reynolds has already advised this on several occasions, in responding to your questions, and I will again reiterate for the Hansard record: I am advised in response to your question that the Australian Border Force are working with the Victorian police.