Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has doubled down on his support of his embattled Immigration Minister as it’s revealed another detainee released on the back of a controversial High Court decision has allegedly reoffended.
Mr Albanese suddenly ended Question Time on Thursday – earlier than he would usually end it – following an hour of bombardment over the crisis.
The Coalition peppered Immigration Minister Andrew Giles with questions over his knowledge about the alleged crimes committed by a 43-year-old detainee in Richmond, Melbourne, on Wednesday.
Victoria Police confirmed on Thursday morning a 43-year-old recently released detainee was arrested on February 28, relating to two separate incidents.
Police allege one woman was assaulted and another was stalked by the man.
‘The 43-year-old Richmond man was interviewed by detectives from Melbourne Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team and subsequently charged with sexual assault, stalking and unlawful assault (x2).’
He faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where no application for bail was made. He’s due to appear again next month.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton described Mr Giles as a ‘disaster’ and asked Prime Minister Anthony Albanese ‘when he will sack him’.
He said: ‘Does the Minister for Immigration enjoy your full confidence?’
Mr Albanese gave a curt, one word answer in response: ‘Yes.’
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (pictured with fiancee Jodie Haydon)slammed a poltical ad about the High Court releases just last week
‘Victoria Police can confirm the man is one of the detainees recently released following a High Court ruling,’ the statement read.
In all, 149 detainees were released following a High Court decision on November 8 – which was opposed by the government.
Questioned by Deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, Mr Giles revealed he was informed about the arrest on Wednesday night.
The government touted toward the end of last year that they had the option to redetain migrants at risk of redefending. Liberal Zoe McKenzie asked why this had not been utilised in this case.
‘All our law enforcement agencies are doing an extraordinary job,’ Mr Giles said.
Mr Dutton told Daily Mail ‘the Albanese Government and the hapless Minister for Immigration have failed to use the powers the parliament gave them to protect the community.
‘Had the Government used the legislation and applied for a preventative detention order, this may have been prevented.
‘This is a shocking failure on community safety and national security from the Albanese Government.
‘It’s a disgrace.’
The full-page newspaper ad taken out by right-wing advocacy group Advance to sway voters in the Dunkley by-election
It comes at an inconvenient time for Labor – just days out from the must-win Dunkley by-election caused by the tragic death of Labor MP Peta Murphy late last year.
The PM last week slammed Voice No campaign group Advance for an which questioned where the ‘rapist, paedophiles and murderers’ released on the back of the High Court decision were located.
The full-page ad in the Herald Sun read: ‘Albo, you unlocked the doors of immigration detention and let loose 149 criminals.
‘Tell us, Prime Minister how many in Dunkley? We demand you tell us before March 2.’
March 2 is the date of the Dunkley by-election.
Mr Albanese later appeared on Melbourne radio station 3AW, accusing Advance of fearmongering and spreading misinformation.
‘I think people will have a look at that ad, which is designed to frighten and scare people, and see it for what it is,’ Mr Albanese told Melbourne radio station 3AW.
‘Our top priority is keeping ns safe. ns know that this was a decision of the High Court of and governments must obey the law.’
The alleged incident took place not in Dunkley but in nearby Richmond, which is within Greens leader Adam Bandt’s seat.