FED: NT Police dismiss cover-up suggestions
20 Apr 2009 4:41 PM
Subject: FED: NT Police dismiss cover-up suggestions FED: NT Police dismiss cover-up suggestions
DARWIN, April 20 AAP - Northern Territory Police have angrily attacked suggestions they are involved in a cover-up over the fatal explosion aboard a boat carrying asylum seekers off northwestern Australia last week.
A boat carrying 47 asylum seekers believed to be from Afghanistan and two crew exploded last Thursday off Ashmore Reef, killing five and wounding dozens more.
The NT coroner has jurisdiction over reportable deaths occurring in and around Ashmore Reef under the Ashmore and Cartier Islands Acceptance Act. The NT Police will lead the investigation, Operation Mentor.
"Speculation and claims of a cover-up are disappointing," Acting Commander Peter Bravos told reporters in Darwin on Monday.
"Five people have lost their lives and we will not be responding to or be influenced by rumour.
"Speculation has the ability to compromise the investigation.
"A public inquest will be held where all information will be canvassed."
Federal Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull on Sunday said the government could face accusations of a cover-up if it did not provide details of how the boat blew up.
"The time has come for (Prime Minister Kevin) Rudd to tell Australian people the truth - what did happen on that boat," Mr Turnbull told said.
"... The government knows the facts, they're getting hourly reports. We need to know precisely what happened."
Mr Bravos said an investigative team at Ashmore Reef had started interviews with Customs and Border Protection personnel and had seized debris following the explosion.
They are expected back in Darwin with the debris and statements later this week.
Mr Bravos expressed appreciation for full, multi-agency cooperation in maintaining the integrity of the investigation process.
"Any information and findings as a result of this thorough investigation are a matter for the coroner, who has announced this morning, will be subject to a public inquest," he said.
Mr Bravos said the investigation could take some time.
AAP str/jlw/ht/cdh =0A
FED: NT Police dismiss cover-up suggestions