Original article by Remy Varga
Herald Sun – Page: Online : 5-Mar-25

Data from the Department of Home Affairs shows that 291 former immigration detainees have now been released since the High Court’s landmark NZYQ ruling. The figures also show that 90 former detainees have been charged with various offences by state and territory authorities since their release; 17 have been given new custodial sentences and five have received suspended sentences. Meanwhile, the former detainees – all of whom have criminal records in Australia – have now cost taxpayers more than $100m since they were released into the community. This includes $73.7m on operational costs, $24.3m on administration costs and $18.6m worth of legal fees. The ex-detainees are also receiving government payments of up to $1,000 each fortnight.

CORPORATES
AUSTRALIA. DEPT OF HOME AFFAIRS, HIGH COURT OF AUSTRALIA