‘Common-Sense’ Move: Bill to Deport up to 80,000 Non-Citizens Gains Bipartisan Backing

Dan Tehan said the amendments largely mirror provisions from prior Coalition bills.

Shadow Immigration Minister Dan Tehan speaks at the National Press Club in Canberra, on Aug. 28, 2019. Rohan Thomson/AAP Images via AP

The Coalition has announced its support for the government’s amendments to the Migration Act.

Shadow Immigration Minister Dan Tehan said they largely mirror provisions from prior Coalition bills but include additional safeguards on the introduced powers.

“That is why we will be supporting this legislation without amendment,” he said.

The amendments, introduced on Nov. 21 by Immigration Minister Tony Burke, aim to combat organised crime in immigration detention facilities.

Speaking in Parliament on Nov. 25, Tehan said, “The Coalition strongly supports measures to assist operational staff to crack down on the organised crime that is running rife in our immigration detention facilities.”

Tehan added that most Australians would see the bill as common sense, particularly in preventing detainees involved in drug trafficking and other organised crime activities from exploiting detention facilities.

He also criticised the Labor government for its past refusal to support to similar legislation while in opposition.

“I hope they can admit they got it wrong and recognise the error of their ways,” he said.

Impacts and Implications

The Albanese government’s proposed migration amendments could result in the deportation of up to 80,000 individuals across various visa categories. After passing the House, the bill is now under Senate inquiry.

The amendments provide immunity to officials and agents involved in deportations and allow for the reversal of refugee protection findings.

New powers for detention officers include seizing prohibited items, conducting searches, and maintaining order.

The minister can designate certain items as prohibited if deemed a safety risk, and officers can use methods like detector dogs to assist in searches.

Burke said the bill addresses calls for action from the Australian Border Force and the Australian Human Rights Commission.

He highlighted that most asylum seekers in detention have criminal histories, with about 90 percent convicted of violent and drug-related crimes.

The bill also protects detainees’ right to communicate. If communication devices are seized, alternatives will be provided, ensuring detainees can stay in touch with family or legal advisors unless misuse occurs.

“The bill balances individuals’ rights with the Commonwealth’s duty of care,” Burke said.

Refugee Concern Over New Bill

The Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) has expressed concerns over the bill allowing phone seizures.

RCOA Chief Executive Officer Paul Power argued that mobile phones provide a lifeline to their families, legal advisors, and the outside world.

They also offer access to news and entertainment and are a means of combating isolation in detention.

RCOA argued that the removal of phones could deny detainees access to justice and hinder legitimate scrutiny of their treatment.

They noted that the bill introduced by the Albanese government mirrors similar legislation proposed by the previous Coalition government, which Labor and crossbench members had opposed.