Tuesday, 19 March 2024

Questions without notice and ministers statements

Immigration detention

David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (13:34): (461) My question is to the Attorney-General. I refer to the 149 former foreign detainees, 37 of whom were sex offenders and some of whom have been knowingly released by the federal government into Victoria. Attorney, I ask very simply: were you informed in detail by the federal government about the 40 detainees who were released into Victoria, and if so, how and on what date?

Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (13:35): I thank Mr Davis for his question. No.

David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (13:35): I ask the minister therefore: can you inform the house how many of these 40 foreign detainees released into Victoria are criminals?

Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (13:35): Mr Davis, I do not have that information, but as you have outlined in your question, this is a matter for the AFP. They consult heavily with VicPol in the management of any of these types of issues, and in my role as Attorney there is limited crossover.