MEDIA RELEASE

MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
ALEXANDER DOWNER

FA74

3 June 1998

NEW SKASE PASSPORT APPLICATION REJECTED

I have formally rejected a new passport application made on behalf of Mr Christopher Skase in Madrid on 27 May.

A lawyer representing Mr Skase made the application to Australian embassy in Madrid claiming that after the Spanish Government confiscated Mr Skase's last passport following an application by the Australian Government, Mr Skase now possessed no identifcation documents.

I have told Mr Skase's lawyer that no Australian passport would be issued to Mr Skase while a warrant for his arrest is in force in Australia.

His lawyer has also been informed that the Australian Government will provide the necessary travel documents for Mr Skase to allow him to travel to Australia to face the charges laid against him.

For further information: 

Innes Willox 02 6277 7500 or 04 1141 4695