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Monday, 23 May 2005
Page: 175


Mr McClelland asked the Minister representing the Minister for Justice and Customs, in writing, on 7 March 2005:

(1)   How many Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers are based at the AFP station in the Torres Strait.

(2)   How many AFP officers are currently assigned to conduct joint patrols to combat transnational crime between PNG and Australia.

(3)   Does the AFP plan to introduce any other measures to combat the drug trade between PNG and Australia.


Mr Ruddock (Attorney-General) —The Minister for Justice and Customs has provided the following answer to the honourable member’s question:

(1)   There are two AFP employees based full time on Thursday Island, with additional support provided by the AFP’s Cairns Office as required.

(2)   The AFP in North Queensland participates with State and Commonwealth agencies in all joint cross border-patrols between Australia and PNG.  The number of AFP members deployed varies in proportion to the circumstances and the objectives of the patrol.

(3)   The AFP is working closely with State and Commonwealth agencies at both a tactical and strategic level to counteract the illicit drug trade between Australia and PNG.  On available evidence, current strategies are sufficient and effective, however operational and intelligence practices targeting illicit drug activity in the Torres Strait are monitored and reviewed as required.