Immigration detainees could face jail time for refusing to cooperate with efforts to deport them from Australia.
Labor urgently introduced new legislation to parliament this afternoon that would impose a minimum one-year prison sentence and maximum five-year prison sentence, for people refusing to cooperate with immigration officials.
Under the proposed laws, the federal government would also be given new powers to ban nationals from making a visa application, where a country refuses to accept the return of their own citizen.
“It is outrageous and incredibly undemocratic,” Independent MP Zali Steggall said.
“There are grave questions about the consequences and the far reaching implications of this legislation.”
Immigration Minister Andrew Giles is rushing to introduce the bill before a High Court hearing in April, that will decide whether or not to release an Iranian asylum seeker – known as ASF17 – from detention.
More than 170 detainees could be released if the federal government loses the High Court case.
“The Albanese government is committed to strengthening Australia’s migration system, making it better, stronger and fairer and ensuring it is working in Australia’s national interest,” Giles said.
The opposition, Greens and a number of independent MPs have slammed the government over the timing of the bill, which was only circulated to them four hours before it was introduced.
“What a complete and utter mess,” Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Dan Tehan told the lower house.
The Coalition has called for a Senate inquiry to be held tonight, to debate the issue.
