House of Representatives Notice Paper Question No 770
Schedule Number: 300172 		Publication Date: 12 August 2009
Hansard: Page 7746

HMAS Sydney II

 Member: Baldwin

Mr Baldwin asked the former Minister for Defence, in writing, on 2 June 2009:

  1. How many (a) photographic images, and (b) minutes of video footage, were taken as part of the discovery and investigation into the wreck of the HMAS Sydney (II).
  2. Will more photographic images be released to the public; if so, (a) how many, (b) when, and (c) will they be able to be used free of copyright restrictions; if not, why not.
  3. Will more video footage be released to the public; if so, (a) how

Mr Combet - The Minister for Defence has provided the following answer to the honourable member’s question:

  1.  
    1. 1139 photos were taken of HMAS Sydney II and its wreck site. 291 photos were taken of HSK Kormoran and its wreck site.
    2. As part of the discovery and investigation, approximately 3,600 minutes (60 hours) were taken of HMAS Sydney II and HSK Kormoran.
  2.  
    1. b. and 3.  The HMAS Sydney II Commission of Inquiry has requested no further release of photographic images or video footage until the Inquiry has had time to consider all the material and evidence placed before it.
    2. The Finding Sydney Foundation is currently winding up its operation, having completed its objectives by locating HMAS Sydney II and HSK Kormoran and setting up a Virtual Memorial.  The Finding Sydney Foundation is in discussions with an appropriate national institution to ensure that copyright for all the material, including photographs and video imagery, is assigned to an appropriate national institution, including the provision of all material to that institution.

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