Senator PATTERSON (2:27 PM) —My question is to the Minister for Justice and Customs, Senator Johnston. Will the minister provide details of what the government is doing to combat the devastating effects of illicit drugs within the community? And how is the government going about detecting the importation of drugs into Australia?

Senator JOHNSTON (Minister for Justice and Customs) —I thank Senator Patterson for her outstanding contribution in this place over many years and particularly for her longstanding interest in the area of combating the deleterious effects of illegal drugs in our community. I can tell all senators that the government will do everything, and is very committed to doing so, to win the battles in the war against drugs in our community.

Opposition senators interjecting—

The PRESIDENT —Order! Senators on my left!

Senator JOHNSTON —I am pleased to say that yesterday officers of the Joint Asian Crime Group took part in a successful operation which culminated in the seizure of 141 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated street value of approximately $68 million. This is the fifth largest cocaine seizure in Australia, which will put a significant dent in the trafficking of illicit drugs into Australia. This successful operation testifies to the technology, the dedication and the teamwork of all members of the Joint Asian Crime Group.

Opposition senators interjecting—

Senator Patterson —Mr President, I raise a point of order. I do not know if those opposite do not care about this issue, but I am interested in the answer and I cannot hear it. I ask the Labor Party to keep quiet while I hear the answer to what is a very important issue for Australia.

Opposition senators interjecting—

The PRESIDENT —When senators on my left come to order, we will continue with question time.

Senator JOHNSTON —The drugs were seized from two crates as part of an airfreight shipment from Hong Kong. The crates were labelled as a water system, and arrived in Sydney on 15 March. Further examination by the diligent and vigilant members of the Australian Customs Service revealed a white powder concealed in the subframe of one of the systems, and initial testing identified that powder as cocaine. The Joint Asian Crime Group subsequently substituted the drugs with an inert substance and, on 26 March, observed it being delivered to a business premise in Marrickville in New South Wales. Late yesterday afternoon, a man accessed the consignment and was duly arrested.

The joint Asian crime group utilised the extensive and effective international network of the Australian Federal Police as part of the investigation to identify—

Senator Hurley interjecting—

Senator Faulkner interjecting—

The PRESIDENT —Order! Senator Hurley and Senator Faulkner, if you want to have a conversation, go outside. We are trying to hear the answer to this question.

Senator JOHNSTON —To repeat: the joint Asian crime group utilised the Australian Federal Police’s extensive and effective international network as part of the investigation to identify the man allegedly involved. By using the combined expertise of the various agencies that are members of the Joint Asian Crime Group, we have been able to disrupt the importation of a very significant amount of cocaine, the fifth-largest ever, into Australia. This successful operation demonstrates clearly the strength of inter-agency cooperation both internationally and between federal and state agencies. I can report to the Senate that, since our first day in office, the government have taken a very strong and tough stance on drugs. I make no apology for that. The government will continue to maintain our strong stance in the fight against this insidious scourge in our community.

More recently, in October 2006, Australian Federal Police forensic and intelligence officers provided assistance to the Royal Malaysian Police to dismantle a clandestine and illicit drug laboratory producing drugs destined for Australia. In November 2005, the Australian Federal Police provided assistance to the Indonesian National Police, which resulted in the discovery and seizure of one of the world’s largest clandestine laboratories. On 4 December 2006, a passenger on a flight from Bangkok was apprehended with 696 grams of heroin. On 15 November 2006, a passenger on a flight from Thailand was apprehended with approximately two kilograms of heroin concealed in luggage. The fight goes on. We are winning the fight and we will continue the fight.