House debates Questions without Notice

Immigration Detention

Tuesday, 28 May 2024 House of Representatives

Peter Dutton

Peter Dutton Dickson, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition

2:07 pm

My question is to the minister for immigration. An immigration detainee referred to as CHCY had his visa cancelled after he was convicted of raping his 14-year-old stepdaughter whilst his wife was in hospital giving birth. The Albanese Labor government's watering-down of the law has allowed this criminal to stay in Australia, making our country less safe. When will the Albanese Labor government apologise for this catastrophic mistake and reverse direction 99?

Andrew Giles

Andrew Giles Scullin, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs

I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. Our thoughts are, of course, with the victims in this case. In saying that, of course community safety remains our highest priority as a government. I remind the Leader of the Opposition and all members that this was a visa that was cancelled and remained cancelled by my department in line with ministerial direction 99. I believe that it's a decision that should still be cancelled, and I also advise the House that I have prioritised a number of cases for urgent cancellation consideration.