PORT 'WIDE OPEN FOR DRUGS'

A Customs surveillance camera installed at Port Kembla in February, 1997 was
removed just four months later - because it was ``reported as
unserviceable''.

Customs Minister Senator Amanda Vanstone said this in response to questions
asked by Throsby MP Colin Hollis.

``The Minister has confirmed what I have been saying for months, indeed
years, that Port Kembla is a wide open port to drug and people smuggling,''
Mr Hollis said yesterday.

Sen Vanstone also told Mr Hollis that her department planned to install a
permanent camera at Port Kembla by September this year, enabling 24-hour
surveillance of the port.

``This is a disgrace, a farce and proves just how inactive and unconcerned
the Howard Government has been about ensuring our territorial integrity and
Port Kembla surveillance,'' he said.

``The government, through now four Customs ministers has always attacked me
when I raised questions about Port Kembla surveillance and the use of this
surveillance camera.

``We expect that the Port Kembla Customs personnel - all five of them - will
protect our community from the smuggling of drugs and other contraband.

``Given the miserly resources provided to them, they do a tremendous job and
have always had my absolute support.

``But they are fighting a war with one hand tied behind their backs.''

Responding to Mr Hollis' questions, Sen Vanstone said the surveillance
camera was removed in June 1997 because it had been reported as
unserviceable.

This camera was one of a pool of cameras held by the NSW Customs office.

Sen Vanstone said cameras delivering real time video from remote wharves to
the local Customs house were being installed at 30 ports around Australia.