Government Appeals Federal Court Decision

JOINT NEWS RELEASE

MINISTER FOR DEFENCE ATTORNEY-GENERAL

THE HON. PETER REITH MP THE HON. DARYL WILLIAMS AM QC MP

11 September 2001

Government Appeals Federal Court Decision

The Commonwealth Government has lodged an immediate appeal to the Full Court of the Federal Court against the decision of his Honour Justice Tony North regarding the rescuees from the MV Tampa.

The HMAS Manoora will not be transiting Papua New Guinea but will instead proceed direct to Nauru.

When the HMAS Manoora arrives in Nauru it will be able to discharge those people on board who were picked up from the fishing vessel Aceng on 7 September and, if they choose, rescuees from the MV Tampa.

The Commonwealth will argue on appeal that it did not detain the rescuees. The Commonwealth will also argue that it has inherent authority to prevent unlawful citizens from entering Australia's territorial waters.

The Commonwealth is asking the Federal Court to hear the appeal as soon as possible.

ENDS

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