Immigration: People-Smuggling

Mr McClelland asked the Minister representing the Minister for Justice and Customs, upon notice, on 4 November 2003:

(1)How many people have been extradited from Indonesia to Australia to face charges related to people smuggling.

(2)On what date were these extraditions ordered.

(3)What charges were faced by the people extradited.

(4)Have there been any successful prosecutions arising from these extraditions.

Mr Ruddock - The Minister for Justice and Customs has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question:

(1)No one has been extradited from Indonesia to Australia to face charges related to people smuggling. However, the Government has actively sought the extradition of alleged people smugglers whenever possible, including from Indonesia. For example, the Government sought the extradition of Motaz Attia Mohammed Hassan, otherwise known as Abu Quassey, from Indonesia. While this request was unsuccessful, Indonesian authorities instead deported Abu Quassey to Egypt where he was recently convicted of people smuggling offences.

(2)Not applicable.

(3)Not applicable.

(4)Not applicable.