The response to last year's Christmas Island boat tragedy was professional, courageous and as effective as it could have been in such terrible conditions, a parliamentary committee has concluded.
About 50 people died when SIEV 221 smashed against rocks and broke apart off Christmas Island's Rocky Point in appalling weather conditions on December 15. Forty-two people survived and 30 bodies were recovered.
A joint select committee on the tragedy backed the response of authorities in its final report released on Wednesday.
"It is the committee's view that the response to the horrific tragedy that took place on 15 December 2010 was professional, courageous and as effective as it could possibly be under the prevailing weather conditions," the report says.
Responding vessels moved as quickly as they could to assist the stricken vessel and the crews of the ACV Triton and HMAS Pirie did all they could to save as many lives as possible.
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"The SIEV's position near the rocks and prevailing weather conditions meant that no rescue boats of any kind could have been safely launched from the island," the report found.
"The inflatable boats launched from the Triton and Pirie were successful in their endeavours notwithstanding being operated well beyond their specification."
People on shore were similarly heroic, relaying information to authorities, acting as spotters and trying to assist survivors with lifejackets.
The committee also concluded that appropriate care and support had been offered to the survivors, the community and officials.
The committee has recommended the federal government liaise with the Christmas Island community to explore options for a permanent memorial for the victims of the tragedy.
"The committee considers such a memorial would help the island community to continue the healing process, and mitigate the pain still being felt," it said.
Labor Senator Trish Crossin attached additional recommendations to the report, calling on the Department of Regional Australia to establish a full-time Community Emergency Management Officer on Christmas Island.
She also called on the Department of Regional Australia to ensure reliable radio coverage is available on all parts of Christmas Island before the end of 2011.
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said the inquiry had shown surveillance and monitoring protocols for detecting and intercepting boat arrivals was "not foolproof".
"Questions were raised within many submissions about the ability for technology to work effectively in severe weather conditions, and the resourcing of the various levels of surveillance currently in operation," she said.
Senator Hanson-Young called for an urgent review of Australia's border protection surveillance system. She also recommended a permanent mental health team be placed on the island.
