Immigration Minister Andrew Giles breaks silence on detainee’s alleged involvement in Girrawheen home invasion

Anthony Albanese’s beleaguered Immigration Minister Andrew Giles has broken his silence following revelations a former detainee was allegedly involved in a horror home invasion in Perth, offering to speak with the couple targeted.

In an ABC radio interview, Mr Giles rejected calls from the Opposition for his resignation over the saga, which comes after former immigration detainee Majid Jamshidi Doukoshkan was charged over their alleged involvement in the attack.

Mr Jamshidi Doukoshkan was arrested on Sunday over the horrific attack on Ninette Simons, 73, and Philip Simons, 76, at their Allinson Drive home on April 16 when it is alleged he was among three people who turned up pretending to be police officers.

It is alleged the trio conned their way into the couple’s home before beating the 73-year-old and stealing $200,000 worth of jewellery.

They are alleged to have tied up her husband during the terrifying ordeal.

The Kuwait-born man was among 152 detainees released after the High Court in November ruled that indefinite immigration detention was unlawful.

Mr Giles said he would be willing to speak with the Simons to discuss their experience.

“It is important that we put in place all of the resources that are needed for our agencies, our law enforcement agencies to do their job, our federal agencies, of course, the border force and the federal police. But to make sure they do so in coordination with the state police,” he said.

“That’s why at the very start of this, we set up an operation, Operation AEGIS, to get that coordination piece right.

“It’s also why today I spoke to the West Australian Police Minister (Paul) Papalia, to discuss this matter and how we can better support the victims, including if they wish to speak to me directly.

“To reiterate that that’s something that I’m very keen to do so if that is something that’s of interest to them.”

Mr Giles refused to be drawn on whether Mr Jamshidi Doukoshkan was being monitored. The West understands he was not required to wear a GPS-tracking ankle bracelet.

“What we have put in place since the unprecedented decision late last year, which required the release of a number of people who had been kept in immigration detention by the government, was to put in place a community protection board, a group of experts, including former police commissioners, to provide advice and put in place arrangements for these people while they are in the community,” Mr Giles said.

Amid calls from the Opposition for his resignation, along with that of his colleague Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neill, Mr Giles accused the Liberals of focusing on problems.

“What is absolutely telling is the Opposition are only interested in talking about problems, never about solutions in any aspect of this portfolio,” he said.

“I’m determined to get on with my job and to work hard at it each and every day.”