In 2005 Farmer was appointed Australia 's ambassador to Indonesia , replacing David Ritchie . Media saw Farmer 's appointment as " something of a reward ... after service to the Howard government through many immigration controversies " . However , in the post his initial appointment was extended under the Labor government by two years . While in Jakarta , Farmer assisted in negotiations to return a group of 78 Sri Lankan asylum seekers to Indonesia after they were apprehended by the Australian Customs vessel '' Oceanic Viking '' . He also helped to send Australian-funded relief aid to victims of the 2009 Sumatra earthquakes
2009 Sumatra earthquakes
2009 Sumatra earthquakes
Bill Farmer (public servant)