SENATOR KRISTINA KENEALLY
DEPUTY LABOR LEADER IN THE SENATE
SHADOW MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS
SHADOW MINISTER FOR IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY
SENATOR FOR NEW SOUTH WALES
ANDREW GILES MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS
SHADOW MINISTER ASSISTING FOR IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP
MEMBER FOR SCULLIN
Today, the Full Federal Court handed down its decision regarding the Biloela family.
The Court rejected the Government's appeal against a previous decision and supported the family's ground that their youngest daughter, three year old Tharunicaa, was not "afforded procedural fairness" in her bid for protection.
Labor has called for Immigration Minister Alex Hawke to use his discretion under the Migration Act and allow the family to return home to Biloela.
"While we respect the Federal Court's decision in regard to the Tamil family from Biloela, it is long past time Immigration Minister Alex Hawke brought this whole process to an end and used his discretion to allow the family to return home to Biloela," Senator Keneally said.
"Alex Hawke and Scott Morrison are simply choosing not to intervene, allowing this cruel and inhumane saga to continue at considerable cost to the taxpayer.
"The fact this family has had to spend two years in detention, at a cost of $50 million to the Australian taxpayer, not to mention the expense to the family members' health and mental well-being is a disgrace."
"Nades, Priya and their two children built a life in Biloela in regional Queensland," Mr Giles said.
"They have worked hard, paid taxes, contributed to their community and have been supported by their friends and neighbours, who want them to remain in Australia.
"It is past time for Immigration Minister Alex Hawke to bring this sorry saga to an end and allow the family to come home to Biloela, a community that wants them back."