Carnival Australia was asked to ensure its human health reports were accurate before setting sail for New Zealand on March 8, Sky News Political Editor Andrew Clennell has revealed. Mr Clennell said the correspondence from the NSW Ports Authority was an indication the cruise ship operator and the ship had not provided accurate information in the past.
"The suggestion made to me is that Carnival Australia might have form in terms of its capacity, to be less than honest around the health of passengers when it moves into shore,” Mr Clennell said.
"As I understand it, the police criminal negligence investigation, to be conducted by the homicide squad, will look at the fact that had better information been given by the company and the ship, people who now have died – 11 in all – could have been identified with COVID-19 and treated earlier.”
But Mr Clennell has questioned whether a police investigation into the debacle goes far enough.
"The police investigation into possible criminal negligence is certainly welcomed. But what usually happens with these sorts of disasters,” he said.
"Well, in the case of the Waterfall train tragedy in NSW in 2003 – seven dead, a special commission of inquiry. The Glenbrook train tragedy in 1999 – seven dead – a commission of inquiry. The recent bushfires – a national royal commission."
"The Ruby Princess – 11 dead – a police investigation.”
Carnival Australia was contacted for comment but said it would be inappropriate to comment amid the police investigation.
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