About

On 19 October, 2001, a small boat (now known as the SIEV X) carrying over 400 would-be-asylum seekers, sank in waters between Indonesia and Australia’s Christmas Island. Three hundred and fifty three people - mostly women and children -  drowned. The sinking of the SIEV X provides an entry point and focus for secondary school students to study a contemporary issue relevant to young Australians.

Aims of the project

• To provide a balanced, impartial set of materials for a 6-week Case Study, via which, year 11 students can develop the confidence, knowledge and skills to address the question, 'Was the sinking of SIEV X and subsequent loss of life preventable?';
• To assist students in developing analytical and evaluation skills relating to a diverse range of sources; and

Download the Committee Chair's speech at the Parliament house launch here:

Address, October 19

Download the Committee Chair's speech at the Gleebooks launch here:

Address, December 4