The immigration minister has revealed 80 people have been released from indefinite detention after the High Court overturned a two-decade-old decision. On Wednesday, the court found indefinite immigration detention was unlawful, giving hope to detainees who could not return to their home country. Andrew Giles said the government was prepared for this outcome and revealed 80 people on appropriate visa conditions had already been released.
Community protection was the government's top priority, Giles said, and those released would be required to regularly report and engage with the Australian Federal Police, Border Force, and any other relevant bodies. "We have taken every step to ensure community safety," he said. "What we need to do now we have this decision - which has changed the law of two decades standing - is to work through it appropriately.