Kempton takes aim at illegal fishing boats
Torres Strait
Member for Cook David Kempton has said illegal foreign fishing vessels entering into Australian waters in Torres Strait is looking more like an invasion than an incursion.
Mr Kempton says community leaders, locals, fishermen and Traditional Owners have spoken out to say the illegal boats are not only widespread but the have been visiting our waters for years.
“From here in Torres Strait, what has been described as an incursion of illegal foreign fishing vessels into Australian waters is starting to sound more like an invasion,’’ he said.
He says that with stories from locals of Indonesian fishing boats attempting to land on Maubiag Island, navigating Jackey Jackey Creek near Bamaga on the mainland and occupants of the boat threatening locals with firearms from a vessel at Crab Island, it appears the Federal Government is underestimating the seriousness of the threat.
“There is no doubt that frontline border force officers, in collaboration with the ADF Federal Police, Biosecurity, and Rangers, are doing the best they can with the resources available; however, the fact is that our northern international border leaks like a sieve.
“The inability to prevent foreign vessels from dinghies to larger vessels travelling unchecked through our northern waters not only poses obvious risks to our national security in times of geopolitical instability, but it may facilitate the spread of diseases, plant and animal pests threatening local inhabitants and our primary industries and enable drug, firearm and people smuggling.
“The arrival of these illegal fishing vessels is of considerable concern to local communities and fishermen who come into frequent contact with them, causing fear and insecurity.
“All of these issues put into question the adequacy of the Federal Government’s response and commitment to these threats and the security of our northern international border.’’
Mr Kempton said Minister Tony Burke needed to visit the region as a matter of urgency to see firsthand the scale of the problem and take immediate action to ensure the health and well being of all Australians are not at risk.
“The Federal Government is not prioritising the safety of Torres Strait Islanders and residents of Cape York because of their failure to fund these border security agencies adequately and build the appropriate infrastructure to deter these threats,’’ Mr Kempton said.
He has suggested initiatives must include increasing the capability of Border Force in terms of vessels, aircraft and officers, improving data sharing and collaboration with other agencies, opening permanent offices at more locations such as Seisia and northern islands and most importantly, engaging with and employing local people in surveillance and monitoring of all waters in the region.
He has had a discussion with Mabuygiw Garkaziw Kupay TSI Corporation, a local Islander men’s group from Mabuiag, who, as part of their current work, are already surveying vast expanses of sea country.
“They could be supported with boats and training to protect their waters from incursions. I was told that it was in fact Mabuiag locals who stepped up to protect their community by making sure the Indonesian vessel and their crew remained on the beach while awaiting assistance from Border Force, who arrived hours later.
“Locals were left with no other choice but to protect themselves because of the inadequate resourcing and investment in the region.’’
He said he would continue to work with the regional councils, locals and state agencies and will lobby the State Government to put pressure on the Albanese Federal Government to take all the necessary steps to prevent this real and present threat.
