Calls for more transparency on immigration detainees
Pressure is mounting on Immigration Minister Andrew Giles as a further 150 asylum seekers could be released from immigration detention over a new legal challenge.
Opposition immigration spokesman Dan Tehan is calling for Mr Giles to be sacked over reports government lawyers have advised up to 150 detainees could be released into the community if an upcoming High Court bid is successful.
“That’s what we’re calling for is for Minister Giles for the first time to be transparent, to be very clear to the Australian people,” he told ABC’s RN on Tuesday.
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Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie said on Monday it was an “absolute disgrace” for the nation to “lose control” of its national security.
Mr Giles said the government would fight the release of more detainees in the High Court against asylum seekers who refused to co-operate with authorities.
The Albanese government has attempted to send back an Iranian citizen known as ASF17 to his country, but as a bisexual man, he could face the death penalty upon return.
Mr Tehan denied he had refused an offer from Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus to be briefed on the NZYQ case that the High Court ruled on last year.
“It’s just simply and utterly not true,” he said.
Asked if his former government bore some responsibility for the debacle, Mr Tehan said the coalition was doing everything it could to make sure the detainees were being removed.
The High Court ruled indefinite detention unlawful in November, leading to the release of about 150 detainees.
Some of those people were convicted murderers and rapists.
