Labor ‘must answer’ over Girrawheen couple’s assault, robbery, Federal Opposition says

Labor’s immigration ministers must answer questions as to how a released detainee was able to allegedly assault and rob a Girrawheen couple, the Liberal Opposition has demanded.

In a statement released after it was revealed former immigration detainee Majid Jamshidi Doukoshkan faced court on Monday for the alleged assault and robbery of Ninette and Philip Simons, shadow ministers Dan Tehan and James Paterson called for an explanation from Clare O’Neil and Andrew Giles.

Mrs Simons, who is fighting cancer, and her husband were at their Girrawheen home on April 16 when it is alleged that three people arrived pretending to be police officers.

When Mr Simons, 76, opened the door of his home, he was immediately pushed to the ground and had his hands bound behind his back.

Mrs Simons, 73, was allegedly subsequently held to the ground and punched in the face several times, causing her to lose consciousness.

It is further alleged that the offenders stole more than $200,000 worth of jewellery and other items before fleeing on foot.

In the joint statement, Mr Tehan and Senator Paterson said questions needed to be answered.

“The Immigration Minister Andrew Giles and Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil must front up and explain how the system they put in place to protect the Australian people failed this woman and her partner.

“If they cannot do this then they should do the honourable thing and resign. And if they won’t resign the Prime Minister has to finally show some leadership and ask them to go.

“The Ministers have hidden from scrutiny on this issue. They now need to stand up and answer these questions and more.”

Mr Doukoshkan was one of 149 people released from immigration detention after the ruling left the Albanese Government scrambling to bring in emergency laws to keep an eye on them.

But he allegedly breached some of those conditions, and was hauled before a Perth court in February this year.

The Opposition demanded answers to the following questions:

• Why did the Commonwealth not oppose bail when detainee Majid Jamshidi Doukoshkan appeared in court in February charged with failing to comply with his monitoring conditions?
• Why wasn’t a preventative detention order made against Doukoshkan?
• Was Doukoshkan wearing an ankle bracelet at the time of the alleged offence?
• What other monitoring conditions were placed on Doukoshkan at the time of the alleged offence?