Letters to Editors

Five lives lost, 20-05-06

Letter to the Editor - Cairns Post

Dear Sir/Madam

Your May 20 report “Five lives lost” carries two inaccuracies which must not go uncorrected.

I spoke with your reporter at length on May 19 in Cairns when I travelled to our regional office there to discuss with FNQ media representatives Immigration’s response to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau’s findings into the sinking of the Malu Sara, and tragic loss of five people on board.

First, there were only ever six vessels designed and constructed, and not seven, as you have reported. The ATSB report, which I am sure Peter Michael read in compiling his story, refers to six vessels, and I too spoke of the one which went missing and the five which have been out of the water and in storage since October 2005.

Second, it would never have been said by anyone from DIMA – including me -- that either the boat builder, or the department “would face a compensation class action”.

When asked by reporters “would there be litigation or compensation claims” arising from this matter, I told them only that that was something which was yet to be determined given there remained ongoing investigations by both Comcare and the Queensland Coroner.

I have been faithfully reported on this specific issue by all of the FNQ journalists who attended the doorstop media conference, and none of their stories or broadcasts reflect the inaccuracy as reported in the Cairns Post. It is important this correction for the record be noted by your readers.

Sandi Logan
National Communications Manager
Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs