Hastie Urges Action on NZYQ Cohort After Alleged Assault

Shadow Home Affairs Minister Andrew Hastie has expressed concern that the government is not acting quickly enough regarding the NZYQ cohort, following an alleged serious assault in Melbourne involving a former detainee. A 43-year-old, released after a High Court ruling, has been charged with the alleged assault of a 62-year-old man.

Mr. Hastie highlighted that the Coalition supported the government in creating powers to re-detain individuals released from immigration detention. However, he noted that the government has yet to utilize these powers. He questioned the Home Affairs Minister's inaction, emphasizing the need to protect the Australian community.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that the government is currently testing separate powers in the High Court that would allow for the deportation of the NZYQ cohort. He emphasized the government's principle that those whose visas are cancelled should leave immediately. The High Court is hearing a challenge regarding the deportation of some former detainees to Nauru, which is seen as a test case.

Mr. Hastie believes the government cannot afford to wait for the outcome of these legal proceedings. He pointed out that another innocent person has allegedly been harmed by a member of the NZYQ cohort. He urged the Home Affairs Minister to explain why preventative detention powers have not been used and to exercise the powers granted by parliament.

The alleged assault in Footscray is the second reported instance of a serious attack by a released detainee. The incident has brought renewed attention to the more than 300 released detainees who remain on bridging visas. The government has taken several steps to address safety concerns surrounding the NZYQ cohort since the High Court's decision in November 2023, which overturned a long-standing precedent allowing for indefinite detention.

The High Court ruled that the detention was unlawful because there was no prospect of resettlement. The government subsequently passed legislation granting powers to impose strict conditions and potentially re-detain individuals. However, the government has yet to file any applications to re-detain them. The government has also introduced new legislation allowing for visa cancellations and deportation, with Nauru accepting three members of the cohort in a test case.