Sky News Political Editor Andrew Clennell says another 340 detainees may be released after a High Court decision released 93 detainees last week.
Senate documents released on Thursday night contained details that 21 of the detainees were so-called Category 1 cases.
Mr Clennell said these cases were referred to the Immigration Minister Andrew Giles “on grounds of national security, or cyber crimes, serious and high profile organised crime, gang-related crime, or high ranking bikie gang members”.
Reportedly, 27 detainees were classified Category 2 for “very serious violent offences, very serious crimes against children, very serious family and domestic violence, violent or sexually exploitative offences against women”.
A further 35 detainees released were classified under Category 3 and 4, while 9 more detainees classified as General have also been released.
The bulk of the people released into the community are from Afghanistan, Iran and Sudan.
Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil disagrees with the high court’s controversial decision to release 93 detainees from immigration, calling the move a “little bit unusual”.
“If it were up to me, all these people would still be in detention,” she told Sky News Political Editor Andrew Clennell.
“Some of these people have done deplorable, disgusting things and I do not want these people in our country, however, I must follow the law.”
Ms O’Neil claims the high court has made its decision but “has not explained the reasons for the decision”.
Reportedly, the high court is set to clarify exactly why it made this ruling early next year.
“The high court believes that the Australian government in detaining people in this way has effectively taken on what is a punitive role and the role of the judiciary,” she said.
“As a politician, I’m not allowed to set the law and be judge and jury.
“So the high court has delineated a new line for the Australian parliament.”
(Sky News /ABC)
