Pubdate: Tue, 01 Jun 1999 Source: Illawarra Mercury (Australia) Copyright: Illawarra Newspapers Contact: http://mercury.illnews.com.au/ CUSTOMS CATASTROPHE Throsby MP Colin Hollis has every right to say ``I told you so'' over the lack of Customs surveillance at Port Kembla. Customs Minister Senator Amanda Vanstone has confirmed what Mr Hollis and others, including this newspaper have been saying for years - Port Kembla is wide open to drugs and contraband. Sen Vanstone has confirmed in response to questions from Mr Hollis that a surveillance camera installed at Port Kembla in February 1997 was removed just four months later because it was reported as ``unserviceable''. The Minister told Mr Hollis that Customs planned to install a permanent camera at Port Kembla by September this year enabling 24-hour surveillance of the port. Her response begs the question: ``What surveillance has there been at the port since the camera was removed in June, 1997?'' We know there are now only five Customs personnel at Port Kembla. How can we expect such a small number to stop the import of drugs and other contraband despite the obvious dedication to their job with limited resources? With no surveillance camera, a lack of manpower and other resources, the Port Kembla Customs officers are fighting a war with one hand behind their backs. As Mr Hollis points out - they deserve better and so does the Illawarra community. - --- MAP posted-by: Patrick Henry