| Subject: |
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Should Government Legislate "Secret Discoveries?" |
| Name: |
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IMAC News |
| Date Posted: |
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Aug 16, 07 - 10:11 AM |
| Website: |
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http://ibnnews.org/national/sydney_shipwreck_group_should_cooperate_16807_454451210478_0000000.html |
| Message: |
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'Sydney' Shipwreck Group Should Cooperate: Minister
A Western Australian group who say they have discovered a wreck that could be the HMAS Sydney II are refusing to cooperate with authorities verify the claim because of a media deal, the federal government says.
According to assistant defence minister Bruce Billson, the group has said they are unable to provide any information about their claim because they have an agreement with 'certain media outlets'.
But Mr Billson says they have obligations under the law.
"The group has an obligation under the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976 to officially register their claim with the Western Australian Museum, which is the government's delegate in relation to the investigation of \shipwrecks," he said.
"The group has been sent relevant documentation that they must complete in order to comply with the Act and has so far failed to comply."
"I am troubled that the group is unwilling to cooperate.... This is an issue of national importance."
He said the HMAS Sydney II remains the property of the Royal Australian Navy, and the federal government wanted to verify the shipwreck claim as quickly as possible.
"This latest claim has raised the expectations of the families of the 645 crew members who were tragically lost when HMAS Sydney went down," Mr Billson said.
"I call on the group to fully cooperate so that this claim can be officially examined."
http://ibnnews.org/national/sydney_shipwreck_group_should_cooperate_16807_454451210478_0000000.html |
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