Seven propositions about SIEV X

·        SIEV X is an Australian tragedy – because it happened on our country’s watch, and because our country had a duty of care to those who died and to those who mourn them now. 

·        Denial of justice makes healing of grief much harder.

·        The pursuit of justice is not about seeking vengeance or someone to blame. Acknowledging responsibility will provide a basis for reconciliation and healing. 

·        In the end, if our society cannot handle accepting    whatever is the truth about SIEV X,  our society will be the losers.

·        In complex modern bureaucratic societies, evil outcomes can happen without persons who work in those systems having evil intentions.

·        Evil outcomes should not be covered up.

·        SIEV X will sooner or later be solved, if not in Australia then in the International Criminal Court.

 

Canberra, 18 October 2003