Australian Customs chiefs say they will improve their "information sharing" after being criticised by the coroner investigating the sinking of an asylum seeker boat with the loss of 102 lives.
On Wednesday, retiring West Australian Coroner Alastair Hope handed down his findings into the sinking of the Siev 358, a rickety wooden fishing vessel overloaded with 212 passengers and crew when it flipped between Indonesia and Christmas Island on June 21 last year.
Deeming the tragedy a terrible accident, Mr Hope recommended Australian and Indonesian authorities work more closely to improve communication during search and rescue responses.
He was also critical of Customs and Border Protection for failing to hand over classified material, including its internal report into the incident, to a separate WA Police investigation.
Michael Pezzullo, Customs' chief executive, said while there had been no attempt to keep the report secret, he admitted it was "incumbent on agencies to ensure ... fluid communication".
"(Customs) has already taken steps to ensure its responsibilities and obligations in relation to such incidents are managed appropriately in future," Mr Pezzullo said.
"All agencies, federal or otherwise should recognise the importance of information sharing and providing appropriate materials when able to do so."
Mr Pezzullo said Mr Hope had found the rescue efforts on three merchant vessels and HMAS Wollongong and HMAS Larrakia, were outstanding.
"It's dangerous and difficult work, and time and time again, our personnel demonstrate a high degree of professionalism, commitment and resilience in their work," Mr Pezzullo said.
