Immigration Minister Andrew Giles is under fire following the release of 153 detainees, including criminals, after a High Court ruling. Criticism mounts over his handling of the situation, with calls for his dismissal and debates in Parliament sparking political tension.
Immigration Minister Andrew Giles faced intense questioning on ABC Radio regarding the recent detainee crisis, with host Sabra Lane inquiring why he has not been dismissed. This comes as Giles faces criticism over the release of 153 detainees, including murderers and sex offenders, following a High Court decision that deemed indefinite detention unlawful without prospects for removal from Australia.
Criticism intensified when it was discovered that some criminal migrants had their visas retained due to Direction 99, a directive introduced by Giles in January last year. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has called for Giles to be sacked, describing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Giles as incompetent.
Giles defended his position, stating he has revoked several visas in the past days and highlighted the need to rebuild a broken migration system. He noted that a new policy directive focused on community protection will soon be public.
The debate has also extended into Parliament, where changes to Direction 99 were announced, emphasizing community safety over other considerations in visa determinations. This issue has sparked significant political friction, with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton criticizing both Giles and Albanese’s handling of the situation.